#167 Teach Settle

Chapters

• 0:00 Understanding Dog Self-Regulation
• 0:45 Reinforcing Calm Behavior Effectively
• 1:42 Creating Structure for Downtime
• 3:35 The Path to True Canine Calm
• 4:25 Building Patience for Long-Term Success

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:02

Let's talk about something that doesn't get enough attention in dog training Teaching your dog to settle without being told, not with a cue, not because you said go to your mat or go to place, but because they know how to choose calm on their own. That's called self-regulation and it's one of the most valuable skills your dog can learn. But most dogs never get there because we accidentally train them to stay in that go, go, go, go go mode. So here's how to help your dog learn to chill for real. Step one reinforce calm and quiet. If your dog is lying nearby, totally relaxed, you can reward it. But here's the key do it without breaking the moment. No high-pitched praise, no calling them over, no sudden excitement. Just quietly place a treat near them or softly say good in a low, calm voice, or simply smile at them. Match their energy, because if your reward amps them up their energy, because if your reward amps them up, you've accidentally reinforced excitement, not calm, think, quiet, thoughtful, boring, in a good way. Step two stop rewarding hyper behavior by accident. Let's be honest. Your dog jumps, you throw the ball, they bark, you grab the leash, they spin in circles and you say, hey, do you want to go for a walk and boom. They've learned that movement and noise gets results. Instead, try this Only leash up when they're calm, pause the game if they start to get too amped up and ignore the barking, but be sure to reward the silence. You're not being mean, you're teaching emotional control.

Speaker 1: 2:18

Step three create predictable downtime. Dogs don't naturally chill in chaotic environments, so use structure the same nap spot, the same rest times, maybe after meals or walks, and maybe some low-key music or a crate with a fan. Calm thrives in routine. And step four let them be bored. Even if it's a hard thing to do, boredom is not a bad thing, it's a skill. Don't feel like you have to entertain your dog all day, every day. Let them lie in the sun, sniff the breeze, do nothing.

Speaker 1: 3:07

But and this can be the tricky part if you have kids dogs look especially cute when they're resting, and that's usually when a kid wants to engage with them, snuggle them, pet them, show them something. Or maybe the kids start playing tag just five feet away from the dog's bed. It's not anyone's fault, but it does make it harder for your dog to fully relax in a busy household. So set your dog up for success. Give them a quiet space a crate, a room with the baby gate or a no-fly zone for the kids and then talk to your kids about how dogs need quiet time too, just like people. It helps them feel safe and learn better manners in the long run.

Speaker 1: 3:57

True calm needs space to grow, and here's some quick don'ts grow, and here's some quick don'ts. Don't constantly interrupt calm with new activities and don't reward the dog who's pestering for attention while ignoring the one who's resting. And don't assume that play or exercise is always the solution to energy. Sometimes they need a nap, not a sprint. So just remember, obedience is helpful, but the real goal is a dog who can relax without being told. That takes patience and it takes noticing and reinforcing Reinforcing the quiet moments over and over again, without overdoing it. If you want a dog who knows how to chill, who knows how to settle, you just have to make it worth their while.