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Pets and Animals
Dogs
Canine Health
Canine Reproductive System Health
How to Keep Your Dog Calm After Neutering Download Article Co-authored by Jaimie Scott
Last Updated: June 5, 2025 Approved
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Creating a Calm Environment
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Entertaining Your Dog
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This article was co-authored by Jaimie Scott. Jaimie Scott has been training dog owners as the Owner of Jaimie Scott Dog Training in Sacramento, California for the past 15 years. Jaimie meets clients for 1-on-1 training, group classes (owners only, no dogs), as well as live video classes. Jaimie has published videos, blog articles, and eBooks to share tips for training and his personalized insight into dog behavior. With a focus on training the owners, Jaimie believes that dogs need to know who’s in control at any given time in order to feel secure and be happy. Jaimie holds a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Pacific University. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 181,372 times.
After your dog gets neutered, he needs to stay calm and relatively inactive for around 2 weeks. This helps him heal and prevents the incision from tearing open. To keep your dog calm, supervise him, confine him when you’re not home, and give him toys to play with.
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Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Creating a Calm Environment
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1 Interact calmly with your dog. Your dog will be calmer if his environment is calm.[1]X Expert Source Jaimie ScottDog Owner TrainerExpert Interview Put him in a quiet room without a lot of noise or other distractions. Stay calm, use a calm voice, and don’t be too active around him. Getting too excited around your dog could rile him up.[2]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
2 Keep an eye on your dog. Keeping a close eye on your dog can help ensure that he stays calm. Keep the dog in the same room as you so you can discourage him if he starts running or jumping around. Advertisement
3 Snuggle with your dog. Sit in a place where your dog is allowed, like the couch or near his bed, and snuggle with him. Being close to you can help him as he recovers and heals after his surgery. Watch tv or read a book while you spend some time with your dog.
4 Confine the dog when you’re not home. After your dog is neutered, he will not be able to run or engage in a lot of activity for at least two weeks. When you leave the house, place the dog in his crate or confine him in a room. This helps limit his activity when you can’t supervise.[3]XResearch source
You can also use baby gates or an exercise pen.
5 Place your dog in a crate if he is too hyper. For some dogs, staying in the crate most of the time is better for their recovery than being let out of the crate. A dog that is too hyper, even when being monitored or placed on a leash, can tear his incision open and hurt himself. If your dog is too hyper, put him in his crate.[4]XResearch source
Place the crate in a room in the house where he can be near the family. Being alone could upset him more.
If he’s in a family room, make sure the family stays calm so the dog will remain calm.
6 Keep the dog on a leash. Another way to control your dog’s behavior after his neutering surgery is to put him on a leash. This keeps the dog close to you and prevents him from running around or playing too roughly.
7 Keep your dog away from other animals. Being around other animals may excite your dog. If you have animals in your home, keep your dog separate from them during recovery. Place them in a separate rooms. Avoid putting gates between them because this could excite your dog.[5]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
If you take your dog for a short walk, keep him away from other animals. Don’t take him to the dog park and take other pets outside at a different time.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Entertaining Your Dog
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1 Give him a food toy. Just because your dog can’t run around doesn’t mean he can’t play calmly. Stuff some food or treats in a Kong or other food dispensing toy.[6]X Expert Source Jaimie ScottDog Owner TrainerExpert Interview This helps give your dog something to do and allows him to occupy his mind.
You can find these toys at pet stores or online.
2 Play low-key nose games with your dog. Spend time playing games with your dog that keep him calm but entertained. Try engaging his nose by placing a treat in one hand and getting the dog to choose the correct hand, or place treats under cups to have him sniff out the treat.[7]XResearch source
3 Give your dog a chew toy. Chew toys are a great way to keep your dog busy without having him run around. Buy him a new chew toy, give him an old favorite, or purchase a durable bone. Most dogs can spend hours entertaining themselves calmly by chewing on something.[8]XResearch source
4 Let your dog watch out the window. Though your dog can’t go outside while he’s recovering, he can still look outside. Pull open the curtains or blinds and let your dog bask in the sunshine or watch what’s going on out in the yard.
You also may want to take him onto the porch on a leash. This allows him to enjoy the fresh air but keeps him close to you.
5 Take your dog on short walks. During the recovery period, short walks can help get rid of some of his energy. These short walks can help keep your dog calmer overall. The walks should only be for 5 to 10 minutes at a time around the yard. Make sure to have the dog on a leash.[9]XResearch source
Carefully monitor your dog and keep him on a short leash. Many dogs will have so much pent up energy that they take off running and may try to pull the leash from your hands.
Try not to let the dog pull hard on the leash or overexert himself.
If the dog is fighting the leash too much and may hurt himself, take him back inside.
6 Contact your vet if you are struggling to keep your dog calm. If your efforts to calm your dog aren’t working, check with your vet to see if they have advice. If all else fails, your vet may prescribe sedatives to calm your dog until he has healed enough to go back to his regular activities.
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Question How do you calm a hyper dog? Jaimie Scott Dog Owner Trainer Jaimie Scott has been training dog owners as the Owner of Jaimie Scott Dog Training in Sacramento, California for the past 15 years. Jaimie meets clients for 1-on-1 training, group classes (owners only, no dogs), as well as live video classes. Jaimie has published videos, blog articles, and eBooks to share tips for training and his personalized insight into dog behavior. With a focus on training the owners, Jaimie believes that dogs need to know who’s in control at any given time in order to feel secure and be happy. Jaimie holds a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Pacific University. Jaimie Scott Dog Owner Trainer Expert Answer Give your dog outlets for their energy. Consider giving them a bull stick to chew, as that can occupy your dog's time and help them get their energy out. A Kong toy filled with peanut butter can also keep your dog's interest. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 10
Question How do I know if I am overfeeding my dog? Community Answer They will start to gain weight. There is a recommended serving size that your vet would give you/ is listed on the dog food bag, and that is the amount of food that you should stick to so that you aren't overfeeding your dog. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 11
Question 2 days ago my dog was spayed. How long of a walk can I take her on today? AMLB Community Answer You shouldn't walk her at all; you need to give your dog at least just a week's worth of rest. Then you can start taking her on small walks. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 26 Helpful 16
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↑ Jaimie Scott. Dog Owner Trainer. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Jaimie Scott Dog Owner Trainer This article was co-authored by Jaimie Scott. Jaimie Scott has been training dog owners as the Owner of Jaimie Scott Dog Training in Sacramento, California for the past 15 years. Jaimie meets clients for 1-on-1 training, group classes (owners only, no dogs), as well as live video classes. Jaimie has published videos, blog articles, and eBooks to share tips for training and his personalized insight into dog behavior. With a focus on training the owners, Jaimie believes that dogs need to know who’s in control at any given time in order to feel secure and be happy. Jaimie holds a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Pacific University. This article has been viewed 181,372 times. 11 votes - 91% Co-authors: 7Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 181,372 Categories: Canine Reproductive System HealthArticle SummaryX
To keep your dog calm after neutering, put it in a quiet room with few distractions to discourage it from moving around too much. In order to occupy its mind, provide it with a chew toy or food toy you can stuff treats into. You should also take your dog for short, regular walks to release pent-up energy. If your dog is too hyper or you need to leave it unsupervised, try putting it in its crate to restrict a movements. For tips on what games you can play with your dog after neutering, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Amy J RoRo
Mar 25, 2021
"It's good to get positive confirmation you were taking the proper steps. My vet recommended a nice pair of fitted boxer shorts with a whole opening for the tail. This was brilliant. I also have done a lot of cuddling in the crate with the dog."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Jaimie Scott Dog Owner Trainer Co-authors: 7Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 181,37291% of readers found this article helpful. 11 votes - 91% Click a star to add your vote
Amy J RoRo
Mar 25, 2021
"It's good to get positive confirmation you were taking the proper steps. My vet recommended a nice pair of fitted boxer shorts with a whole opening for the tail. This was brilliant. I also have done a lot of cuddling in the crate with the dog."..." more
Ernie
Jun 14, 2020
"I was quite pleased reading this article as I just had my dog neutered after six months. This article gave me a better understanding of what I might expect for the next two weeks."..." more
Bev Swinscoe
Dec 7, 2017
"All information about first heat and helpful tips on what to expect were explained poetically and with great care, thank you for your help."..." more
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Apr 26, 2018
"I love this website because it helps me a lot. I can always ask questions and don't have to worry." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Jaimie Scott Dog Owner Trainer This article was co-authored by Jaimie Scott. Jaimie Scott has been training dog owners as the Owner of Jaimie Scott Dog Training in Sacramento, California for the past 15 years. Jaimie meets clients for 1-on-1 training, group classes (owners only, no dogs), as well as live video classes. Jaimie has published videos, blog articles, and eBooks to share tips for training and his personalized insight into dog behavior. With a focus on training the owners, Jaimie believes that dogs need to know who’s in control at any given time in order to feel secure and be happy. Jaimie holds a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Pacific University. This article has been viewed 181,372 times. 11 votes - 91% Co-authors: 7 Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 181,372 Categories: Canine Reproductive System Health Article SummaryX
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1 Interact calmly with your dog. Your dog will be calmer if his environment is calm.[1] Put him in a quiet room without a lot of noise or other distractions. Stay calm, use a calm voice, and don’t be too active around him. Getting too excited around your dog could rile him up.[2] 
2 Keep an eye on your dog. Keeping a close eye on your dog can help ensure that he stays calm. Keep the dog in the same room as you so you can discourage him if he starts running or jumping around. Advertisement 
3 Snuggle with your dog. Sit in a place where your dog is allowed, like the couch or near his bed, and snuggle with him. Being close to you can help him as he recovers and heals after his surgery. Watch tv or read a book while you spend some time with your dog. 
4 Confine the dog when you’re not home. After your dog is neutered, he will not be able to run or engage in a lot of activity for at least two weeks. When you leave the house, place the dog in his crate or confine him in a room. This helps limit his activity when you can’t supervise.[3] 
5 Place your dog in a crate if he is too hyper. For some dogs, staying in the crate most of the time is better for their recovery than being let out of the crate. A dog that is too hyper, even when being monitored or placed on a leash, can tear his incision open and hurt himself. If your dog is too hyper, put him in his crate.[4] 
6 Keep the dog on a leash. Another way to control your dog’s behavior after his neutering surgery is to put him on a leash. This keeps the dog close to you and prevents him from running around or playing too roughly. 
7 Keep your dog away from other animals. Being around other animals may excite your dog. If you have animals in your home, keep your dog separate from them during recovery. Place them in a separate rooms. Avoid putting gates between them because this could excite your dog.[5] 
1 Give him a food toy. Just because your dog can’t run around doesn’t mean he can’t play calmly. Stuff some food or treats in a Kong or other food dispensing toy.[6] This helps give your dog something to do and allows him to occupy his mind. 
2 Play low-key nose games with your dog. Spend time playing games with your dog that keep him calm but entertained. Try engaging his nose by placing a treat in one hand and getting the dog to choose the correct hand, or place treats under cups to have him sniff out the treat.[7] 
3 Give your dog a chew toy. Chew toys are a great way to keep your dog busy without having him run around. Buy him a new chew toy, give him an old favorite, or purchase a durable bone. Most dogs can spend hours entertaining themselves calmly by chewing on something.[8] 
4 Let your dog watch out the window. Though your dog can’t go outside while he’s recovering, he can still look outside. Pull open the curtains or blinds and let your dog bask in the sunshine or watch what’s going on out in the yard. 
5 Take your dog on short walks. During the recovery period, short walks can help get rid of some of his energy. These short walks can help keep your dog calmer overall. The walks should only be for 5 to 10 minutes at a time around the yard. Make sure to have the dog on a leash.[9] 
6 Contact your vet if you are struggling to keep your dog calm. If your efforts to calm your dog aren’t working, check with your vet to see if they have advice. If all else fails, your vet may prescribe sedatives to calm your dog until he has healed enough to go back to his regular activities. Advertisement 
Jaimie Scott Dog Owner Trainer Jaimie Scott has been training dog owners as the Owner of Jaimie Scott Dog Training in Sacramento, California for the past 15 years. Jaimie meets clients for 1-on-1 training, group classes (owners only, no dogs), as well as live video classes. Jaimie has published videos, blog articles, and eBooks to share tips for training and his personalized insight into dog behavior. With a focus on training the owners, Jaimie believes that dogs need to know who’s in control at any given time in order to feel secure and be happy. Jaimie holds a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from Pacific University. 
Community Answer They will start to gain weight. There is a recommended serving size that your vet would give you/ is listed on the dog food bag, and that is the amount of food that you should stick to so that you aren't overfeeding your dog. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 11 
AMLB Community Answer You shouldn't walk her at all; you need to give your dog at least just a week's worth of rest. Then you can start taking her on small walks. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 26 Helpful 16 
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