Malakai The Great
Founding Member
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2025
- Messages
- 29
This has to be one of the most common questions I hear from new shepherd owners. You bring home this adorable little fluffball, and before you know it you’ve got a teenage rocket zooming around your house like they’re fueled by jet engines.
So, when do they finally calm down?
Here’s what I’ve seen and experienced over the years:
Puppy stage (0–6 months): Endless energy bursts, short attention span, and a mouth that wants to chew everything. You’ll get moments of calm, but don’t expect them to last long.
Adolescence (6–18 months): Buckle up! This is when most shepherds are at their wildest. They’ve got adult-sized bodies and puppy brains. Expect testing boundaries, selective hearing, and zoomies galore.
Young adult (18 months – 3 years): You’ll start to see the energy level even out. With consistent training and exercise, they’ll learn to settle in the house after activity.
Adult (3–5 years): Most shepherds hit their stride here. They’re mature enough to relax when nothing’s happening, but still more than ready to work or play when you ask.
Senior (6+ years): Energy naturally tapers off, though plenty of shepherds stay playful well into their senior years.
The key takeaway: Shepherds don’t just magically calm down with age. They calm down when their physical and mental needs are consistently met. Exercise, structure, and engagement are what transform a restless shepherd into a balanced one.
So the short answer is: expect some version of puppy chaos for the first couple of years, but with the right outlet, they’ll learn how to switch off and be the amazing companions they’re meant to be.
So, when do they finally calm down?
Here’s what I’ve seen and experienced over the years:
Puppy stage (0–6 months): Endless energy bursts, short attention span, and a mouth that wants to chew everything. You’ll get moments of calm, but don’t expect them to last long.
Adolescence (6–18 months): Buckle up! This is when most shepherds are at their wildest. They’ve got adult-sized bodies and puppy brains. Expect testing boundaries, selective hearing, and zoomies galore.
Young adult (18 months – 3 years): You’ll start to see the energy level even out. With consistent training and exercise, they’ll learn to settle in the house after activity.
Adult (3–5 years): Most shepherds hit their stride here. They’re mature enough to relax when nothing’s happening, but still more than ready to work or play when you ask.
Senior (6+ years): Energy naturally tapers off, though plenty of shepherds stay playful well into their senior years.
The key takeaway: Shepherds don’t just magically calm down with age. They calm down when their physical and mental needs are consistently met. Exercise, structure, and engagement are what transform a restless shepherd into a balanced one.
So the short answer is: expect some version of puppy chaos for the first couple of years, but with the right outlet, they’ll learn how to switch off and be the amazing companions they’re meant to be.
