What Is the Dog Witching Hour? (And How to Calm It Naturally)

What is the dog witching hour?

The dog witching hour is a period in the late afternoon or evening when dogs experience a sudden burst of restless energy. Dogs may pace, bark, zoom, chew, or seem unable to settle during this time.

This behavior is common and normal — especially in puppies, young dogs, and high-energy breeds.

When does the dog witching hour happen?

The dog witching hour usually occurs between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, though timing varies by dog.

It often lines up with:

• The end of the day
• Built-up mental and physical energy
• Changes in household activity (people getting home, dinner time)

Why do dogs get the witching hour?

Dogs experience the witching hour for a few key reasons:

Unspent mental energy
Dogs may have physical exercise but lack mental stimulation during the day.

Routine changes
Evening transitions can increase excitement or frustration.

Natural instincts
Dogs are wired to work, sniff, and problem-solve. Without an outlet, that energy shows up as chaos.

Is the dog witching hour a sign of anxiety?

Not always. The witching hour is usually a sign of under-stimulated mental energy, not fear.

However, dogs prone to anxiety may experience:

• Longer episodes
• Difficulty calming afterward
• Destructive behaviors

In these cases, calming enrichment can make a big difference.

How do you calm a dog during the witching hour?

The most effective way to calm a dog during the witching hour is through mental enrichment, especially scent-based activities.

Sniffing helps dogs:

• Focus their attention
• Burn mental energy
• Self-regulate and relax

Just a few minutes of the right enrichment can be more effective than extra physical exercise.

Why scent work is so effective for calming dogs

Dogs experience the world primarily through smell. When a dog is sniffing, their brain shifts into a focused, problem-solving state.

Scent work:

• Engages natural instincts
• Encourages calm concentration
• Helps transition dogs into a relaxed state

This is why sniffing activities are often recommended by trainers and behavior professionals.

What is the best enrichment for the dog witching hour?

The best enrichment for the witching hour is:

• Short (5–15 minutes)
• Calm and focused
• Adjustable to your dog’s skill level
• Easy to use consistently

Scent-based puzzles are especially effective because they work with a dog’s natural abilities rather than against them.

How Treat Towel helps calm the dog witching hour

Treat Towel is a scent-based enrichment puzzle designed specifically for calm, focused play.

Dogs use their nose to find treats hidden in the towel’s pockets, encouraging:

• Sniffing
• Problem-solving
• Mental engagement

Because the difficulty can be adjusted by rolling, folding, or tying the towel, it works for puppies, adult dogs, and seniors alike.

Many dog owners use Treat Towel during the witching hour to help their dogs settle naturally before evening downtime.

How long should enrichment last during the witching hour?

Most dogs benefit from 5–15 minutes of enrichment.

Short sessions:

• Prevent frustration
• Encourage success
• Leave dogs mentally satisfied rather than overstimulated
• Consistency matters more than duration.

Can dogs outgrow the witching hour?

Yes — especially when their needs are met consistently.

Dogs who receive:

• Daily mental enrichment
• Predictable routines
• Opportunities to sniff and explore

Often experience shorter or less intense witching hour episodes over time.

Key takeaways about the dog witching hour

• The dog witching hour is normal and common
• It’s usually caused by unmet mental stimulation
• Scent work is one of the most effective calming tools
• Short, focused enrichment sessions work best

With the right outlet, evenings can become calmer — for both dogs and humans.