When do Maremma Sheepdogs calm down?

The energy curve: what to expect at each stage

Maremma Sheepdogs have a manageable energy curve — more predictable than high-energy breeds, less sedentary than low-energy ones.

• 0–12 months (puppy): Active and curious, but not overwhelming. Standard puppy management applies.
• 12–18 months (adolescent): Some boundary-testing and inconsistency in behaviour. This is normal. Patience and consistency carry you through.
• After 2–3 years (adult): Most Maremma Sheepdogs settle noticeably. Daily exercise keeps them calm in the house; they're not restless when their needs are met.

The key difference from high-energy breeds is that a Maremma Sheepdog's needs are achievable for most households. An hour of exercise per day — a morning walk and an evening session — is enough to keep a Maremma Sheepdog calm and settled at home. You won't need to run a marathon before they stop bouncing off the walls.

Skip exercise consistently and it will show. A Maremma Sheepdog that isn't getting its daily activity will find other outlets — often through pestering, vocalising, or mild destructive behaviour. The good news is that this resets quickly once their routine is restored.

Why is my Maremma Sheepdog still so hyper?

If your Maremma Sheepdog is going through a hyper phase, three things are usually responsible:

• Not enough exercise: A Maremma Sheepdog that isn't getting 60–90 minutes of activity per day will burn that energy off differently — usually destructively or noisily.
• Age: The adolescent phase (6–18 months) is normal for all breeds. Consistency wins here.
• Lack of mental stimulation: Physical exercise isn't enough for a mentally active breed. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, and nose work all help drain energy more efficiently.

A Maremma Sheepdog that's destructive or restless at home is almost always an under-exercised Maremma Sheepdog. The behaviour is a symptom, not a character flaw.

Training through the hyper phase

The most effective approach with a boisterous Maremma Sheepdog isn't to wait for them to calm down — it's to train through it. Short, high-reward sessions work better than long drills. Find what your specific dog values most — usually a particular food treat or toy — and make that the reward for the behaviours you want.

Teaching a reliable settle command (where the dog goes to their bed and stays calm on cue) is one of the most valuable things you can train with an active breed. It gives you a tool for managing their energy rather than just waiting for it to dissipate.