From Chaos to Calm: How to Teach Your Dog to "Settle"
We’ve all been there: you’re trying to enjoy a quiet dinner or hop on a Zoom call, but your dog is practicing for the "Puppy Olympics" in your living room. Whether it's the "zoomies," constant nudging for attention, or pacing, some dogs simply struggle to find their "off" switch.
Teaching your dog to "Settle" is one of the most valuable gifts you can give both of you. Unlike a "Down" or "Stay," which are active commands requiring focused work, "Settle" is an emotional state. It’s about teaching your dog that relaxation is a choice—and a highly rewarding one.
Phase 1: The "Lazy" Way (Capturing Calm)
The easiest way to start is to "catch" your dog being good. Most owners only notice their dogs when they are misbehaving. We’re going to flip that.
Keep treats in your pocket: Have low-calorie rewards ready throughout the day.
Watch for natural relaxation: When you see your dog sigh, lie down on their side, or rest their chin on their paws, quietly drop a treat near their nose.
Don't make a fuss: If you say "Good boy!" in a high-pitched voice, you'll wake them up. The goal is to reward the quietness without breaking the spell.
Phase 2: The "Mat Method" (Active Training)
If you want to be able to tell your dog to relax on cue, using a specific "place"—like a dedicated mat or rug—is the fastest route.
Introduce the Mat: Place a specific rug or towel on the floor. When your dog steps on it out of curiosity, give them a treat.
Lure the Down: Encourage them to lie down on the mat. Once they do, feed them several treats in a row to show them that staying there is the best part.
Add the Cue: Once they are reliably lying down on the mat, say your chosen word—"Settle" or "Chill"—just as they hit the floor.
Reward the "Shift": Look for the moment your dog shifts their weight, sighs, or drops their hip. This is the physical sign of relaxation. Reward that specific moment!
The mat is great because you can take it anywhere, making it easier to transfer the “settle” behavior to other locations.
Pro-Tips for Success
Teaching relaxation is different from teaching a trick like "Shake." Here are three ways to ensure it sticks:
Reward the "Drip": Instead of giving one big treat, "drip-feed" tiny pieces every few seconds while they stay settled. This builds duration.
Check the Environment: You can't expect a dog to settle in a construction zone. Start in a quiet room and only move to more "distracting" areas once they’ve mastered the basics.
Exercise First: A dog with a "full tank" of energy will find it physically painful to sit still. Ensure they’ve had a good walk or play session before you ask for a settle.
The Golden Rule: Never use the "Settle" command as a punishment or a "Time Out." You want your dog to view their mat as their favorite, most peaceful place on earth.
Why It Matters
A dog that knows how to settle is a dog that can go more places. Whether it’s a dog-friendly brewery, a family picnic, or just a rainy Sunday afternoon, teaching your dog the art of doing nothing will significantly lower the stress levels for everyone in the house.