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A guide to growing calmness
Calmness is a skill we can teach our dogs. We don’t need to constantly entertain them to keep them happy. This guide will show you how to nurture a calm, content dog by managing their environment, creating balance in their day, and helping them learn to make calm choices on their own.
With practice this will help you achieve:
- Relaxing calmly when guests visit.
- Settling at a dog-friendly café.
- A more peaceful, harmonious home.
What you'll need
- Baby gates, a crate, or a puppy pen
- A tasty filled Kong or other safe chew
- Your dog’s bed or a comfy mat
Step-by-step
- Set up for success: If you have a young puppy, use gates, crates and pens to create a safe space where your puppy can’t get into mischief. This management prevents unwanted behaviours and naturally encourages calmer choices, like settling down for a nap.
- Teach them to go to bed: Teach them the concept of settling in one place with the “Go To Bed” game.
- Chewing outlets: Providing your dog with appropriate chew options helps them relax and settle. Natural chews such as calf hooves, smoked bones (never cooked bones), antlers, and buffalo horns can be great choices. Always supervise your dog while they chew to ensure safety.
- For older dog, encourage choice, don’t force it: Once your dog is a little older and no longer needing puppy pens, instead of always sending your dog to a specific bed, allow them the freedom to choose where they feel most comfortable settling. This fosters genuine self-settling, which is more powerful than a command-based “stay.”
- Balance their day: Ensure your dog gets plenty of enrichment through walks and play. But just as importantly, provide opportunities for them to do nothing. Don’t feel you need to entertain them constantly; rest is crucial for their recovery.
- Use tools mindfully: A filled Kong after a walk can help build a great settling habit. You can also use a “Leave It” cue to interrupt unwanted behaviours, which then allows your dog to make a better choice—like settling down.
Top tips for success
- Be careful not to overstimulate your dog with constant puzzle toys; they need an “off switch.”
- Avoid over-exercising your dog in an attempt to tire them out. This can create an “athlete” that struggles to switch off.
- Genuine settling is a habit that is built over time, not just a command you teach.
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Is your dog always on the go?
Teaching a high-energy or anxious dog to settle can be a real challenge. If you'd like a personalised plan with games tailored to your dog's specific needs, a One-to-One session is the best way to get expert support.
