The “Witching Hour” in Puppies – What It Is and How to Handle It

If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy into your life, you may have experienced it already… one minute they’re a sleepy, adorable ball of fluff, and the next they’re charging around the house like a tiny tornado. They’re biting at your hands, zooming from room to room, grabbing anything they can reach, and generally acting like they’ve lost all sense of reason.

This chaotic time of day has a name — the puppy witching hour — and while it might leave you wondering if your calm little puppy has been possessed, it’s actually a very normal stage of development.

Let’s break down what it is, why it happens, and how you can manage it.

What Is the Witching Hour?

The “witching hour” is a short period — often in the evening — when your puppy becomes suddenly hyperactive, bitey, vocal, and a little out of control. It’s common in puppies from 8 weeks right through to adolescence, and it can happen daily.

Typical behaviours during witching hour include:

• Zoomies – racing around at top speed, sometimes with no clear destination.

• Mouthiness – nipping hands, clothes, or anything they can reach.

• Vocalisation – barking, whining, or “talking” more than usual.

• Random mischief – grabbing cushions, stealing socks, chewing furniture, or jumping on the sofa.

Why Does It Happen?

There are a few reasons puppies experience this burst of seemingly wild behaviour:

1. Overtiredness – Puppies need a lot of sleep (around 18–20 hours a day), and when they’re overtired, they often go into an energy overdrive rather than simply lying down for a nap.

2. Overstimulation – Too much excitement during the day without enough quiet time can leave them struggling to wind down.

3. Pent-up energy – Puppies have short bursts of energy, so if they haven’t had an opportunity to use their brains and bodies, that energy can spill out all at once.

4. Natural developmental stage – Like toddlers, puppies are still learning to regulate their behaviour and emotions, and the witching hour is part of that process.

   
   

How to Handle the Witching Hour

The good news is, witching hour doesn’t last forever — but in the meantime, there are plenty of ways to manage it and keep everyone sane.

1. Recognise the Signs Early

Learn your puppy’s patterns. If you notice they get wild at a certain time each day, you can pre-empt it by giving them a calmer activity or rest break before it happens.

2. Provide Mental Enrichment

Short training sessions, puzzle feeders, or scent games can help take the edge off that excess energy and channel it into something productive. Mental stimulation often tires puppies out faster than physical exercise.

3. Offer a Safe Chew

Chewing is naturally calming for dogs. Having a stuffed Kong, long-lasting chew, or a safe chew toy ready can redirect nipping away from your hands and clothes.

4. Encourage a Nap

Sometimes the best solution is simply rest. Guide your puppy to their crate or bed with a chew or treat and let them settle somewhere quiet. If they’re overtired, this can help them reset.

5. Avoid Rough Play During This Time

Roughhousing can increase arousal levels and make it harder for your puppy to calm down. Instead, keep interactions gentle and structured.

6. Keep Calm Yourself

It’s easy to get frustrated when your puppy is acting wild, but responding with high energy or irritation can escalate things further. Staying calm and consistent will help your puppy learn to settle.

7. Schedule a walk

Take your puppy on a short sniffy walk designed to blow off stress and lower arousal levels. Encourage your puppy to sniff and explore, hide treats for them to find and keep the walk relaxed

When Will It Stop?

For most puppies, the witching hour phase starts to reduce by the time they reach 6–9 months of age, but it can pop up occasionally during adolescence. With consistent management, plenty of rest, and calm guidance, your puppy will learn how to regulate their energy better.

Final Thoughts

The witching hour can be intense, but it’s a normal part of puppyhood — not a sign you’ve got a “bad” dog. By understanding the causes and having a plan to manage it, you’ll help your puppy develop calmer habits while keeping your household a happier place.

If you’d like more step-by-step help with puppy training and behaviour, our Online Academy include hundreds of video tutorials, trainer support 7 days a week, and proven strategies for building focus, confidence, and calmness in your dog. [Find out more here →]