Whether it’s a dog’s unconditional love or its tireless desire to play and cuddle with its owners, dogs are called human’s best companions for a reason. Not to mention, the emotional support they provide at times is matchless.

From tilting their little heads while trying to understand your commands to waiting with the utmost patience for you to take them on a walk, there are plenty of reasons why owners choose to spend their lives with a dog by their side.

Whether you already own a dog or are looking to add a new member to your family, you might be wondering about its energy levels.

Dog Energy Levels by Age

Puppies may seem quite active and full of life, but do dogs have the same boundless energy throughout their life span, or does their energy level reduce over time? It is essential to find out a dog’s energy levels by age.

Any dog owner would tell you that puppies grow up too fast. It just seems to happen in a blink of an eye. However, if you pay close attention, you’ll notice that it doesn’t happen all at once. From the moment it takes its first breath to the time it reaches the fully-grown dog status, your dog undergoes not only physical growth but also mental growth.

So, what are the dog energy levels by age? What should you expect from them as they age? Well, if you are wondering if their energy levels change as they age, the simple answer is yes.

When dogs are still puppies, they are pretty active and full of life. Over time, their energy levels will lower as they age. However, it also depends on the breed of your dog. Some breeds are more active than others.

Energy Level During First Two Weeks

This period is also referred to as the neonatal stage. New to this world, this is the time when your puppy won’t even be able to see because its eyes will be closed. It won’t be able to hear you either since its ears will be sealed shut.

Of course, a newborn puppy is much like a human baby in its infancy – helpless and vulnerable. As it can’t regulate its body temperature at this stage, it requires food and warmth from its mother.

As far as the energy level is concerned, your puppy will have little to no energy at this stage. It will be lying around most of the time and experiencing the world first. Usually, a newborn pup doubles its birth weight during the first week after birth. And yes, since your puppy can’t stand yet, it would be paddling around adorably using its front legs.

The paddling soon leads to crawling. During this stage, you should start interacting with the puppy. However, be mindful that it should be handled gently as it’s pretty vulnerable during this stage. This is the time when a puppy is entirely dependent on its mother. So, bear in mind that taking it away from its mother can cause numerous issues regarding its behavior and well-being.

Energy Level During Third Week to Three Months

Also known as the transitional stage, this stage sees your puppy’s eyes and ears opening up for the first time. Your puppy will start to see and hear you, and its sense of taste will also develop. Usually, this is the stage where puppies begin standing up on their own, and within the next few days, you can expect them to start walking.

If you have other pets at your home, consider introducing them to your little friend. Your pet will be learning about the world, and this will be the best time to introduce it to its fellows. However, taking it away from its mother even at this stage can cause behavioral problems in your puppy. It may become noisy, grumpy, and even aggressive at times.

As your adorable puppy reaches three months of age, it will be able to accompany you on a walk. However, it will enjoy sleeping just as it loves playing around and seeing the world. Puppies of some breeds sleep for more than 18 hours a day during this stage.

Energy Levels During Three to Six Months

A pup of this age usually sleeps for about 15 hours a day. You’ll realize that your puppy is getting more energetic with each passing day during this period. It will sleep less and explore more. As mentioned earlier, the sleeping hours and energy levels may be different in different breeds.

By the time your pup approaches its four-month mark, it will start showing its personality traits and realize that it is, in fact, a dog. It starts interacting more and more with your family and other pets, and it develops attachments with them.

It will love playing and won’t stay still for a minute. However, it still needs to sleep a lot, even at this stage. So, if you feel that it’s not getting enough sleep, consider reaching out to your vet.

Energy Levels During Six to Nine Months

This is the time when a puppy can survive on its own. In other words, it’s the minimum age for a puppy to be adopted out or leave its mother. Your puppy may also experience its “first fear period” at this stage.

During this period, any traumatic experience could turn into a lifelong problem. For example, if it develops a fear of strangers, it could become an issue throughout its entire life.

Energy Levels During Nine Months to Two Years

During this phase, your puppy will learn to interact more with others. Sometimes, it may even get into a fight with other pets. It’s not alarming, though. However, it would help if you discouraged any biting or nipping of humans or clothes.

Although your dog is an adult at this age, this may depend on the breed of your dog. You’ll figure out the actual energy level of your dog by this time. Your puppy will reach its pinnacle energy level during this period.

Energy Levels During Two to Eight Years

Your dog is likely to carry on with its same energy level. Although you may notice a little difference, your dog won’t go through a significant increase or decrease in its energy level.

If your dog has tons of energy as it ages, consider yourself lucky. However, if its energy declines rather quickly, you may want to seek help from your vet.

Energy Levels After Eight Years

Your dog’s performance will start to decline at this stage. Things that it was excited about may no longer excite it, and it may not even love playing as it used to.

However, make sure that it’s getting enough exercise. Keep an eye on its diet and consider consulting with your vet if it gains significant weight.

Final Thoughts

Knowing your dog’s energy levels is crucial, so you know what to expect from it. During the first year of its birth, it may sleep for over 15 hours. It will learn to interact with people and its fellow pets.

Over time, its energy level will see a decline as it ages. However, make sure that it exercises daily and reach out to its vet if it develops any complications.