Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation

Imagine having a way to trigger your dog to relax. Consider the benefits and applications in everyday life like vet visits, the groomers or travel. It’s not hypnosis. It’s a protocol involving conditioning, capturing and shaping your dog’s behavior to create calm in key moments. The ability to cue relaxation is valuable for ALL dogs, not just those who are hyper or anxious. In fact, we all have personal relaxation protocols, and in this episode, I’m sharing what I frequently use for myself and my dogs to settle down.
00:00 How to settle a stressed, anxious or hyper dog.
01:04 Mistakes we make when calming frantic dogs.
02:13 When and where to teach my protocol for relaxation.
02:56 Examples of triggers that induce a calm state.
03:47 The benefits of teaching dogs to relax anywhere.
06:08 Body language and breathing tips when helping a dog calm down.
07:56 The 7 things that influence a dog’s behavior.
08:53 Use release words that don’t excite your dog.
09:57 Select relaxation triggers you can use anywhere.
10:52 Teach your dog ItsYerChoice first.
11:52 Step 1: Positively condition the calming trigger object.
13:19 Step 2: Capture the dog relaxing in their “chill zone.”
14:27 Step 3: Shape relaxation intentionally during training.
16:27 When to add a calming cue.
17:24 How to assess a dog’s state of relaxation.
18:14 Add duration to the “chill zone” with a remote feeder.
In the episode you'll hear:
• Why every dog should have a protocol for relaxation regardless of temperament.
• About common triggers for relaxation and ones I use for my dogs.
• How to help anxious or over aroused dogs with intentional calming mannerisms.
• My breathing technique for triggering the parasympathetic nervous system to counter stress.
• How to induce a calm state for dogs step-by-step.
• Why we play ItsYerChoice to help dogs relax.
• How to positively condition your dog’s relaxation trigger.
• My capturing technique and tips when dogs are in their “chill zones”.
• When to begin shaping and adding a calm release word.
• How to assess your dog’s emotional state with TEMP and an app.
• About using a remote feeder to add duration to the chill zone.
ItsYerChoice Summit
Learn how to play ItsYerChoice:
dogsthat.com/y/iycsummit
Resources
1.Podcast Episode 86: How to Train Unmotivated or Overexcited Dogs - • How to Train Unmotivat...
2. Podcast Episode 107: Pedicure Please: 3 Steps To Dog Nail Trimming Or Grooming Success At Home! - • Pedicure Please: 3 Ste...
*3. Dirty Dog Doormats - geni.us/dirty-dog-mat
4. Podcast Episode 136: Help Your Excited Dog Calm Down And Stop Barking, Lunging, Spinning, Nipping - • Help Your Excited Dog ...
5. Podcast Episode 189: All The Things That Influence Your Dog’s Behavior And What Behavior Tells You - • All The Things That In...
6. Podcast Episode 171: Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Why Classical Conditioning Must Come First - • Dog Training With Laye...
7. Podcast Episode 151: How Location Specific Reinforcement Markers Will Improve Your Dog Training! - • How Location Specific ...
8. Podcast Episode 180: Taking Your Puppy To A Café Or Restaurant: Socialization Success - • Taking Your Puppy To A...
9. Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture) - • T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/E...
10. Cardalis App - iOS - apps.apple.com/app/cardalis/i...
11. Cardalis App - Android - play.google.com/store/apps/de...
*12. PetSafe Treat and Train Remote Reward Dog Trainer - geni.us/treat-train
*13. PETGEEK IQ Training Treat Dispenser - geni.us/petgeek-dispenser
14. Podcast Episode 190: Using Daily Quickies To Fast Track Your Dog Training And Grow Your Dog's Skills - • Using Daily Quickies T...
*Amazon Links Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Susan only recommends products she uses herself, and all opinions expressed here are her own. The link above is an affiliate link that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy from it. Thank you!
P.S. Subscribe to our KZbin Channel so you get notifications of new videos!
- - - - - - -
Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team.
Susan Garrett’s interest in animal behaviour started at the University of Guelph where she earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then she has developed into a preeminent dog trainer and canine sports instructor and competitor. Susan is one of the most successful agility competitors of the last three decades. She has won multiple Gold Medals at National or World Championship events with every dog she has ever owned over the past 30 years.

[@DogsThat]

Learn how to play ItsYerChoice with your dog - dogsthat.com/y/iycsummit And we now have everything you need to help with Separation Anxiety - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKOQooWBd6iDi6c

[@maryw1867]

Thank you... I needed this

[@JMK6868]

I have a dog that has been through so much training and I socialize him as a puppy for 5 years at a doggy daycare once or twice a week. However when I walk him on a leash he freaks out when he see any other dog he growls and barks. I tell him to calm down he doesn’t I turn around and make him walk the other way he still keeps trying to go the direction of where the other dogis. Do you have any tips or have you done a video on what to do in that situation. I can’t take him anywhere without him acting up. The dog daycare swear to me he has no problems with any other dogs when he is there even the bigger dogs he is okay with at the daycare. But on a leash he is uncontrollable if there is another dog. Any other time he will heel and listen.

[@LIndaECampbell]

I have been doing "it's your choice" with her. Lately she has been hesitant to let me put on the halter. I ask if she wants to go for a walk, if she backs away, I sit down until she comes forward again. This started after I used a head halter on her and she didn't like it at all. So she has to decide if she wants to go for a walk, she has to put the halter on. Thanks for the help. I'm much more aware of the actions and reactions so now I have to put that into practise a little more.

[@Jamie-813]

I learned a game from Dr. Ian Dunbar called Jazz Up, Settle Down. It's something I've helped teach a few dogs to settle with. Take a toy or something that excites your dog, get them all rilled up, then go still, and project calm, settle energy and gentle say, 'settle'. Then repeat, get them excited, reward them for settling, then ask for a settle. At first, settling should be short and as your dog grasps the concept, slowly increase time expectations.

[@jodirosenblatt4083]

I never learned it’s your choice. Help?

[@trishmcgarvie5053]

What a brilliant idea I am going try that with my nutty collie who loves a ball 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@judymiller5154]

​@@trishmcgarvie5053I have a young lab who goes nutty with a chuckit ball and in the presence of new people. (like yesterday at the vet office 🤣). Otherwise, she has self-constaint - around meals, open door/gate, in the car, paws wiped, even when I am waaaaaaiting for the darn cat to stroll thru the door 😂. Yes, need to specifically train for this. Thanks

[@aslrunner]

I've come to realize that I need to advocate for my dog more in public. He's super friendly and sweet and gets ultra-hyped meeting people. People think it's cute 'cause he's wiggly and licking them, but I need to speak up and tell them to please just ignore his crazy/cute behavior and only give attention when he calms down, because they're inadvertently encouraging his out of control behavior.

[@icalledthevoiditwent2voicemail]

I'm honestly really mad right now because this is the first time I'm seeing this channel, and I've been looking for guidance on taking care of dogs for years. Susan, you are amazing. Thank you.

[@DogsThat]

We're so happy you are here now, thank you for tuning in 💙

[@theamziss]

That's the upside of a low-energy dog breed. My greyhound will ALWAYS take the opportunity to relax or to sleep somewhere. Which is why he's the perfect restaurant dog or the perfect dog to take when visiting someone. Even on walks he will gladly lay down on the grass to rest for a few minutes. These dogs don't have an off switch... they have an 'on switch' because they're off by default. Our challenge lies in getting him enthused, excited, motivated, moving etc.

[@DogsThat]

Hi! We have the perfect podcast episode for you, here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3i8e2egdrFnotk Happy training!

[@waynefutch9916]

Max has a special travel harness ----rug---and food dishes

[@jasminaferizovic5557]

I'd love to learn how to help my dog relax near other dogs.

[@wb8ert]

A dog that knows how to be by themselves is a dog that won't cause you problems. I sent my Malamute to a two-week training course and didn't have issues with him being destructive when we weren't home or around other animals.

[@Alex4TWandTT]

Yes, more relaxation protocol please! I find as soon as I get food out my pup stops relaxing and leaps up, so it's very difficult to capture calmness. He also has become an expert in "faking" rest, shifting his hips over and bouncing his head down onto his paws and back up to try to get the reward, any advice on this!?

[@andrewwalsh6401]

I have a pameranian that used to bark at everything and used to go nuts as soon as I grabbed the leash to take him for a walk. How I got him to stop this behaviour was to just ignore that behaviour. I wouldn’t acknowledge him at all when he acted like this. I would not tell him to stop or sit I would just simply walk away and not say a thing. It takes patience but worked for me

[@juliecox4543]

Would love more on this topic, my boy is anxious and has a hard time settling in the house

[@cookieTUFFS]

Yes pretty please more on relaxing! My dog has a big bubble and really doesn’t love it when people come into our house. I don’t even need her to socialize with them, just teaching her to be chill in another room would be a big win.

[@IAMGiftbearer]

I'm going to try these things. My puppy has been especially amped up the past two days and will just spontaneously jump up and try to catch the flesh on my side if he can't get my hand or arm and I find it's often because he gets impatient for the treat before he follows the command. If he doesn't get the treat right away he will sometimes then ignore the treat and my telling him to sit, and target my body. I actually did try some of the techniques of petting him and being very slow and even this morning and that did work for a few minutes one time when he had just started to mouth me but was not over the top yet, but then he went back to it again. This dog is challenging. One hour he can be really compliant and gentle and the next, a bull in a china cabinet! I am wondering if the reason he is chill when I'm getting ready to put him in his crate is because he already associates the crate with relaxation. I'd really like to have him out with me more and have him able to lie on my bed next to me and be able to either pet him or just sit with him and work on my computer without him chewing me or the pillows and blankets. I usually do the search game after his meals and then do a few other training things, and if I'm making coffee or trying to do something else near him he gets impatient to get my attention and then starts his nipping (and actually nipping is putting it lightly. I might as well put on a bite suit because he treats me like I'm a decoy!). Sometimes he does it on walks too. I see lots of people on forums with Malinois and Dutch Shepherds running into the same thing and some have tried several trainers, so I do think to a certain extent we are fighting against genetics. So many breeders who focus on breeding and training for bitework as their main thing (because they think it's cool on social media) may not fully realize they have made these breeds harder to manage. I'd like to see more breeders breed for a more even temperament and focus more on the people-pleasing aspect of their personality. They do have that trait but I think the recent sensationalism of hard-core bitework in the armed forces and police settings over the past decade has overshadowed their drive to please their handlers and it can instead become a battle of wills. The Malinois has been my dream dog since I was 9 years old and back in the day they were herding dogs and not commonly used for Schutzhund or protection work. These were once used for sheep herding and it's only been recently that they have been known for bitework. It would be advantageous if breeders would get back to breeding for what their original purpose was. A dog that bites a sheep and shakes it until dead is not suitable for that job. I'm sure he'd make a good police dog but I'm not using him for that. I want a gentle yet attentive companion dog that I hope later to train as a service dog for myself and agility once he masters the basics. I'm determined to try anything needed to meet that goal. I am trying to teach him to lick instead of bite, so if you have any suggestions on how to do that please do a video on it! I wonder if putting something like peanut butter on my fingers for him to lick would help switch his brain to licking; not biting my body.

[@charly5747]

I would like to hear a deep dive. A very important topic.

[@DogsThat]

Thank you, Charly! Note taken 🙂

[@runtosaurus]

Yes, more on relaxing please! I've already been doing some of this stuff you've mentioned, and while we've made some progress, we have a loooong way to go. Hearing noises outside really gets my dog worked up, and someone coming inside our house completely freaks him out (stranger danger!!)

[@lisadesrosiers8490]

I have a similar situation with my rescue terrier. I need more help getting him to generalize his behaviors in the changing environments.

[@theam13ify]

That is truly groundbreaking advice. Thank you.

[@brandeeschman9192]

I would love more info on how to help my dog be more confident and relaxed when I leave the house.

[@DogsThat]

Noted, thanks for commenting, Brandee!

[@mommapoddo1]

Yes! I would love to know how to implement the relaxation protocol (or other training methods) to help me with my rescue dog who likes to "wrestle" with my 10 mo. old kitten (PS. the kitten likes to wrestle back and even though I can ask my dog to "leave it" the cat is often the one who revisits the wrestling after the dog has stopped....sigh...This is not an all-day Wrestlemania by any means, but it does crop up a few times during the day and can escalate to a point where I need them to chill. The dog is 45 lbs and the cat is 10. The rest of the time they co-exist and have even been seen cuddling together in Dash's open crate or near each other on the floor. Any direction you could provide would be SO helpful. PS New here but love your podcasts and the way you present the information Thank you!!

[@judymiller5154]

we adopted a recently-neutered adult stray tom cat who my friend eventually trapped. this is a tough, scrappy cat who instigates tussles with my 18 mo lab. My pup will leave-it or wait, but its short-lived. If they just wont quit, I have to put the cat in another room.

[@nrowland4103]

Background person here. You might shape me to videotape and join FB before too long….things I do for the dogs. Thank you for IYC! Starting today.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👍

[@RaptorsGirl]

🤗

[@nanettelai1525]

IYC is life

[@martincroke75]

One thing I would like to add. Leashes are not just for outside the home. I am a pet sitter,in my home,and watch multiple dogs at times. I use a 4 foot small chain lead to calm and shape dogs. Why chain? Because you can fall asleep with dog next to you and he cannot do destructive behavior ,like chewing thru nylon or leather leash. So don't be afraid to use those short leashes inside your home!

[@marysoldeeley2218]

I've been working really hard on stopping the excitement urinating. I got him neutered. The vet gave me advice, he had never seen a dog that urinated from excitement the way mine does. Usually just a puddle on the ground, mine does loose fire hose 2 ft radius all around him HAHAHA! But, since he has been neutered, he has not excitement peed even once, like instant fix. I have started bringing him into stores and out in public again like I used to. He gets vocal and seemingly impatient when I stay still too long but that will stop on it's own with experience. He doesn't have to wear belly bands at work anymore so far. He couldn't while the incision was healing. With no pee spraying yet, I have been leaving them off. Many people come to see him everyday, like always. I love that he is going back to the way he used to be as a pup. Perhaps with this calming technique I will be able to start bringing him back into long term care like I used to before. My Dad loved having Gunner in there to visit. Thank for the information! Definitely going to start this work. I'm slowly getting through all your podcasts and have shared some on facebook for friends with issues. Your advice works great on rescues and fosters in temporary situations.

[@DogsThat]

Thank you, Marysol! Please, remember to share how you and Gunner go with the training!

[@pamvogt1242]

I have a 2 year old aussie that had that same "fire hose" excited pee spray behavior as a puppy! I'm not sure if spaying helped, maybe, but she still submissive pees occasionally - mostly when meeting men. So, great kudos to you for sticking with it! It is very difficult to socialize a puppy that pees so much!!

[@marysoldeeley2218]

@@pamvogt1242 I have heard from and met many people with the same issues along the way. That sure helped! Gunner never did this until around 5 months. Then it went downhill fast. I didn't know what to do, so I just put belly bands on him. Essentially, a diaper. This allowed me to continue bringing him to work and on all the outings. At one point I truly believed I was going to be stuck with the pee for his whole life. I still would never have given up. I had worse pets. I adopted a mutt from the city pound that would not house train and absolutely hated being inside the house. he would smear poop everywhere. Had him for 13 years! This pup, Gunner is a year old now. Hopefully stays pee free. This calming training should really help with his vocal disapproval of having to stay still too long Haha! Thank you for your comment. Helps when you don't feel alone.

[@marinamochar7417]

Yes, I would love to have ideas to decrease anxiety when my dog is meeting people for the first time (she’s not hyper but wary).

[@DogsThat]

Suggestion noted, Marina, thank you!

[@kayhamilton5943]

Yes my dog gets over anxious when people come to the door,she goes to dog training but it's when people come into the house,she does settle eventually

[@kimfurman6072]

Love this Susan! I would love more on this topic! I have a high drive Agility dog with separation anxiety and reactivity towards dogs. He’s doing so much better relaxing at home but transferring this relaxation outside of the house is where we need lots more help. I’ve started using “with me” at doorways which is making such a big difference to bring calm with us instead of our usual “break” which brings excitement! Thank you Susan!

[@jeffk464]

Some dogs just weren't born to relax. Malinois, Border Collies, Jack Russel's, etc its just not who they are.

[@hal7ter]

My border collie and most that I meet, are the most mellow I have ever met! @@jeffk464

[@MellieDee]

I am also in this arena-- how do we up this distractions if we aren't supposed to give super high value rewards on the mat? As soon as cat, neighbor or a man walks in forget it - crazy dog appears. We are no where near sitting at cafes LOL yet

[@ireneerickson1568]

@@jeffk464 But when my JRT 1 yr old relaxes it's all in. However he always wants to sit on our laps to relax! Tummy rubs high are his high value non treat. He's a slow starter in the mornings, crazy after 10am until about 8pm when he starts to calm down and snuggle. He's "eaten" two training mats and will drag away anything light so yup...a challenge.

[@jaimemiller7950]

I'm curious about how to differentiate this, in my mind but especially in the dogs mind, with "place" training. I'm worried that I would get those two things muddled up together

[@optimalwellnessyoga]

This sounds helpful. Our little guy barks at everything outside, but gets super triggered by delivery vehicles and it doesn’t matter the style - UPS/FEDEX trucks, Amazon vans, the USPS mail truck. He was a 4 year old rescue with no story so haven’t a clue. It would be great to be able to get him to chill.

[@BdwyMTI]

Thank you. My girls are almost perfect--except when someone comes up the driveway or to the door. It is the only time they are reactive, and the crazy feeds off one another. I'd love to learn how to solve that issue.

[@rogehnimunoz4327]

I'm being addicted to your videos. Thank you so much. Love the look of Tater at the end. He's so cute.

[@LIndaECampbell]

I have a super excited Border Collie who is one year old. She barks at saws, hammers, grass trimmers, any kind of noise and spins in circles trying to get to those things or where the noise is coming from. I will have to try this to get her to focus on me. Right now I might as well be a rock. I do play it's your choice with her too.

[@wallsofgab]

I love this advise! It's one of the first things I did with my rescue puppy - before she knew a sit, a down, or ANYTHING... we did a settle first. And it opened up the doors for her to become the really balanced dog she became today. People don't believe me when I say that she's so high drive sometimes LOL I'd love for this topic to be expanded on!

[@kennethcohagen3539]

My dog is a barker.she is always in alert.this technique will help her, but when she sees another four legged animal walk by the house or in TV she goes nuts trying to get to it. We got her from a no kill shelter and when we had her brought into the meet the dog cage she ran over, hopped on my lap and wouldn’t move. We’ve bonded from the start. But I can’t get her to calm down when she sees another animal. Even cartoons get her attention. I can get her to follow some basic commands and she’s really smart. So how do I address her barking at the TV. If she sees something outside I can deal with, she’s warning me of something. I’ve always tried positive reinforcement over punishment, but I will correct her if needed. By that way, do you know how many commercials have dogs or cats in them? Dan near all of them!

[@tinahardwick1283]

Very helpful for me at this moment in time. Currently I have an 18 week old Great Dane Puppy (my 😅7th Dane) and she is over the top❤ with jumping and nipping. I might get 10-15 min trying It’s Yer Choice, redirecting with chews and ultimately have to put her in her pen to calm down a bit before trying again. I’m 72 and the skin on my poor hands and arms are taking a beating with bruising and skin tears. I’m even feeding her meals with Its Yer Choice to change her behavior about my Hands. Your Podcasts are great and I watch an hour or two of them daily. Thank you for all the time you dedicate to making us all more intuitive about dog behavior!

[@kathyrivera2576]

Totally understand...we are in our 70s and are the proud parents of a 7 month old Weimaraner boy...the last 5 months have been exhausting! He is our 3rd Weimaraner...he is too strong for us! He has Good days and days he just can't settle down...praying our doggies get better with age!

[@rachell4307]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH for putting this into the world. This is so useful and one of my favorite episodes. I’ve started relaxation work with my puppy and would have loved to have this as a tool when I first started. I would absolutely love follow ups to this. As someone who strives to have my dog comfortable and “relax-able” everywhere we go, ( and I’d eventually like to bring him almost everywhere I go), this protocol is critical. I just want to expand on deep breathing… that’s one thing that has helped a lot, which I learned from h360. if I notice that my puppy is “high” around guests, I will make them deep with me breath too and slowly blink or close their eyes😂 until he does it too. Plus it’s so cute to watch him match us. Thank you again for this episode and thank you for everything you do❤❤❤❤

[@DogsThat]

Thank you, Rachel! We're so grateful to have you in our community 💕

[@joannai1161]

Wow! Tonight I’m going to try the deep breathing with my puppy. So curious how it works.

[@rachell4307]

@@joannai1161 OMG yay!! I will just say be patient and keep trying over several sessions/weeks if you don’t see results right away. Trying it when you know for sure that the puppy is sleepy and starting to relax helped me too! 🤩

[@catherineluu2230]

I’m interested in a follow up video! We’ve been working through my dog’s stranger reactivity and in the beginning I was really working on conditioning a relaxation mat and he loves laying on it but I’ve been slacking so thanks for the reminder to keep up the trigger!

[@jaimemiller7950]

In regards to the remote feeder- how often do people find that with a very slow rate of reinforcement, the dog starts to paw/chew at the remote feeder? What do you do in that case? I could see that being a very common problem and am curious how to prevent it. Thanks!

[@Skyesoceaneyes]

It's so interesting. I went through a "hypnobabies" program to prepare for giving birth several years ago. This is essentially a program over several weeks or months before giving birth that trains the expectant mother to relax so deeply that she can eventually learn to apply those same techniques during labor and allow her body to more easily give birth. It is amazing to me how similar this seems to me!

[@watchmoivies123]

Oh I love this. Thank you for being so honest about your young BC I have a very hard one also , would you ever want to do some podcasts or training u tubes with her ? I think a lot of pups that were born in the pandemic did not get what they needed and now they are two and older would live to see her trouble spots Not only you can help us , we may also have tips for you also Love your training

[@cakmlucas]

This is fantastic. I have a very chill 4 month old Shar Pei that just LOSES it when I leave the room. He loves his crate, he sleeps there for hours, but the moment I leave the room it's like the world ended. It takes him 30 minutes to calm down. I am trying to do everything I can to make sure that if he's in his crate (or in his den area) I can just leave the house for an hour to run an errand or whatever without him losing his mind

[@YourNotesEchoedFar]

Silly question maybe, but could this be helpful for puppy naps for a puppy who has a hard time settling in? We’re practicing it’s your choice and crate games, and trying to squeeze multiple enterichments/puppy friendly exercise/training in between, but she’s recently started barking when I try to crate her for a nap after she’s been awake for an hour and should be exhausted. I don’t let her out or interact with her when she’s barking, but it’s. Really hard to hear. 💔 (And headache inducing okay I admit it. 😂) I’m wondering if this would be a helpful transition from exercise/play to nap. Thanks for all your videos, Susan and Team!! Y’all have been SUCH a blessing and I know my puppy (and I) appreciates it. 😂💙

[@theduchessofverreaux8373]

YES! My dog goes bezerk when company comes over. So excited, barking, and jumping.

[@tiffanyandjeffrey8665]

YES! I can’t wait to try this. my dog is extremely excited and frantic around other people - we would love her to be more relaxed when we have people over.

[@melissatuttle3872]

I've tried the chill mat and all my puppy does is try to eat it. So far we have failed at literally everything despite trying to follow your steps. I'm at my wits end

[@patriciamalcolm2853]

Yes more relaxation please. Dog vertigo food motivated.

[@menopassini9348]

I tell my Dogs sit, then down then I tell them Nite Nite. They follow my commands.of sit and down, Nite Nite is laying on their side and relax. Sometimes thet close their eyes. I Do this at Home Depot when.meeting New people, Vet, etc. People are amazing how calm my dogs are while we talk. I taught it as a trick and then noticed they liked the down time.

[@jayneteal-jeffery6283]

Thank you again. I’m still working on the separation anxiety with my 7 month old rescue pup. Appreciate your help💕

[@catherinemello9617]

Thank you! I would love more on this relaxation topic!

[@Chicagocanine]

I use a bathmat for my dog’s “place” mat because it’s a perfect size and has a no-slip backing.

[@rebeccaspratling2865]

Thank you, queen. 🥰

[@katherinecollmer1094]

I'd like more about using this protocol for window barrier frustration. Thank you! Great episode!

[@maryhaney3386]

Yes, please expand on relaxing an anxious dog. Thank you for all your vids and advice.

[@DogsThat]

Thank you, Mary!

[@amaliekrygerolsen1337]

Love this topic! Having a hard time teaching my 9 month old high energy dog to chill in the house

[@DogsThat]

Hi Amalie, thanks for commenting. Please, give the training a try and let us know how you and your puppy go!

[@debadler7086]

Yes Please Susan, more on how to bring relaxation down in a high prey drive rescue. He has come a long way but if we let him out in the fenced backyard everything ignites his drive-he’s fast for a Berner boy .

[@CurriesWithBumbi]

Yes please more on relaxing our pup when we leave the house. Thanks Susan. Love you ❤️

[@questions6742]

Relaxation protocol?! Nice! I have so many clients that have issues with their dogs jumping up and many with over aroused dogs. Even relaxed isn’t relaxed. Please continue this vein of coaching. I didn’t even think about teaching them to calm when they’re calm. That way, they can absorb the info. Duh. 😂

[@pamelalee9677]

A regular schedule and regular exercise help calm pets down in the home a lot because they get into a cycle of energy output and resting to rejuvenate energy. It also really helps limit destructive and mischievous behaviors. Dogs appreciate schedules because they know what to expect. I have set times for feeding, bathing, walking, dog parks, brushing, massages, etc., and it really helped after my GS got used to the schedule. Now I know when it is time for something just because she is sitting in front of me staring at me, waiting for me to get out from behind my work computer to do something. She keeps the schedule better than I do now! The way we pet our dog can breed relaxation vs. excitement. My fur baby has anxiety issues. She licks her lips often (which always gets her put in a muzzle at the vet) and tends to do the one-paw lift at odd times when she is unsure about something. Her moods also tend to mirror mine. If I'm calm, she is more relaxed. When petting her, I watch her ears, paws, and tail. Rubbing her chest in slow circles and talking in a soft, soothing tone makes her ears droop and her head tilt downwards in relaxation. If I stroke her quicker or pat her, it raises her level of excitement. Massages help calm our pets as well especially as they age. As soon as she hit 3 years, my GS would tend to keep me up at night when I was trying to sleep. She just seemed anxious and unable to rest. Then, I bought a massage kit to help with her hip dysplasia, and I discovered that she slept much easier at night on the days I would give her massages.

[@soslegacies777]

More on this topic, please. The TV seems to be a trigger for excitement in my pooch and I would like to watch it with him in a calm state instead of anxious nipping and barking.

[@sarahwebber2875]

I'm new to your channel and my boyfriend and I ADORE you! We have a husky mix who is extremely stubborn but also very smart/trainable. We train with him multiple times a day with new tricks (we just started the perch training today), three engaging walks a day, and different methods for feeding through smart toys, slow feeders and foraging. Despite alllllll the mental stimulation he gets so triggered when we invite him up onto the couch, bed or if we crouch down to his level. Like most Huskies his paws are all up in your face and despite training he doesn't seem to get the hint. He's extremely talkative and we can't seem to get it down to a reasonable level. We don't expect a mute dog but 6am is not the time! We just want to spend time and speak to our dog, like most doggy parents but feel we are limited due to his big reactions.We are really hoping your videos will help be the best dog that we know he can be!

[@Emma-fe6yt]

Love this! We have been building up relaxing on a mat already, but I was using his exciting release cue, that could be why I am still getting somewhat of a false relaxation haha I will practice the calm release, and see if that helps! Definitely want more content like this!

[@gailbradford305]

I have got to try this. My red heeler mix, 7 months, shakes continually in the car. We got her at 8 wks and wanted to socialize her so we take her EVERYWHERE EVERYDAY! We feed her raw food and give lots of exercise with ball throwing and dog parks, etc, but the shaking continues.

[@HelenFong8]

Yes, please more! This was great. How this helps with separation, greetings, new environments (dogs, traveling, shopping, people's homes)

[@ScoobyDoobyDoo666]

My blanket is my trigger for relaxation

[@laurenaupton1162]

Love the ideas. We’ve been working on quiet as our dog seems to be on high alert all the time. Growls and barks at most noises, even if it’s our own family moving throughout our house. Would love more ideas on relaxing. We do use small rugs as “place” and reward calm behavior.

[@dmkulbacki]

More relaxation please! Our dog is great at relaxing at home and rarely barks at home. However, ever since I introduced him to high arousal sports like Lure Coursing and Flyball, he is unable to crate quietly at Agility and Rally events (He continuously demand barks very loudly if I'm not sitting right by his crate like when I'm walking a course or helping out). He is pretty solid on It's Yer Choice. I'll start this protocol STAT and would appreciate more on this topic!

[@daminimalhotra4422]

Yes! My dog is anxious several places

[@reganabromitis-qp8fq]

More relaxation protocol please! I need help getting my high drive dog to stay in a calm, thinking mindset at agility trials!

[@hilleviupmanis8687]

Thank you!

[@DE-ss5ks]

I'll just keep reiterating how fabulous these gems are. I'm in Recallers so I know how to shape, but to hear this certainly gives me motivation and new information. I love this, Susan!

[@DogsThat]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate having you in our community 💕

[@lovethewoods3836]

YOU are brilliant and I'm crying!!!

[@DogsThat]

Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@Artyjoey]

I would love more on this topic, too, especially about separation anxiety. Love your videos! Thanks!

[@bethburlingameford9610]

Ditto! 🙏🏻

[@debandrews7415]

yes please more about separation anxiety

[@aileenconnor834]

relaxation please! ‘so looking forward to this new series :)

[@judithward1611]

Yes more relaxation protocols please. My dog gets very excited when people come to hour house and when we come home after being out for an hour or two.

[@gritkennedy8857]

More on this topic please!

[@DogsThat]

Thank you, Grit, more will be coming soon 🐕

[@jaimemiller7950]

Yes, I'd be thrilled to learn more about relaxation !

[@lsisak7651]

This is great. I love your style of teaching. I have minimal interest in common how to or show you style videos. A+

[@berilaltiner8958]

I’m really confused. Seems like first we’re first teaching the dog that there is a special mat/towel that has value, then we’re capturing them relaxing. Does that mean you’re putting the special mat in a location and when you catch them relaxing in that location that’s when you reward them?

[@Chris.Sheehan.87]

I’m also confused about this, for example do I put the mat on the sofa and if he is relaxing near it or on it is that acceptable? Did you ever find an answer to this?

[@sundancer9324]

Hi I’d love more on this as I have a dog with separation anxiety thank you

[@NC-lw6lr]

Yes, I'd love more information on creating a relaxed state. My 7 year old dog has developed separation anxiety. I'm already doing desensitization, medication, exercise, etc. It's a very long road and your additional behavioural insights and training tips would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[@joannai1161]

Thank you Susan! Your advice is gold, as always ❤

[@DogsThat]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching, Joanna

[@jennifersorum7475]

Yes!! Would love to know more!!🎉🎉🎉

[@DogsThat]

Hi Jennifer, we now have the video about separation anxiety - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKOQooWBd6iDi6c

[@DanielleCapichano]

What caught my attention and that I love of this is how you used a Weimaraner of all dogs to represent a moment of being holistic. They're the ones who need this message the most. ❤️

[@angelacironedebenedictis9014]

Yes more please

[@armandhammer2235]

Exercise and engagement will get a dog to relax. Those are my tools.

[@JennaAmore99]

PLEASE make that video about managing separation anxiety! I had nearly run out of options with my 11 month old gsd mix. I make sure he's worked out mentally and physically, I give him plenty of toys and treats to chew on, I put on calming music and white noise, but he's managed to chew up shoes, walls, carpet, rugs, leashes, and plenty of other things. My vet prescribed him medication but I'd love to hear if you have any other ideas!

[@ripleyselhorst288]

Love to see more especially with being calm In situations

[@kathyweist9236]

Thsnk you fir the CALM C as n you help me help my dog to not think that guests are bad killers who need to be attacked. She is not aggressive, just fearful of strangers and territorial. Thank you for all the great podcasts

[@margaretmorris7335]

Elderly Aussie: Thankyou Susan. I have just discovered your channel. I have a 15 m.o. Fox Terrier/Jack Russell X. He is extremely hyper-active (as per their reputation) and I have been sitting here trying to calm him down during a fierce Electrical Storm, needless to say he is quite distressed. I acquired him @ 9 weeks old, first born of first litter (only male, with 4 sisters) - he's very intelligent and very Alpha. (Very protective of me) but like all puppies, does test the boundaries. We've recently had several Electrical storms (past 2 weeks) and he is very noise reactive and these have been very distressing for him. I don't believe in sedatives unless there is a genuine medical problem. Could you perhaps cover "chilling" your dog in distressing situations. He's a great little fella but I would appreciate some advice. (My 2 previous dogs were Fox Terrier X but not with a Jackie).

[@kaiomewolf]

Yes, I would love some more tips and tricks for separation anxiety and isolation distress, thanks! Love your work!

[@esmeraldamansky7130]

Nice video.. I like to do to my new dog .

[@JanineMKartist]

MY 10 month old standard poodle nice and pooped today after a good romp in the deep snow and a good long chew time on her braided bully stick, she spent lots of chill time with her legs sprawled. its a challenge keeping her from getting bored without setting her into over aroused behaviour. My trainer said to watch you. I really enjoyed your interview with Ivan. Before that I didn't realize those home school your dog ads was you. Anyway my pup is so very different from our previous standard poodle which we did very little training with and was just fortunate that she just naturally calmed and walked loose leash with maturing over time. Our Molly's adolescent phase has been a challenge. we are getting a "tune up" session with our trainer soon.

[@laurenceluche8488]

Hi Susan ! Thank you so much for all your amazing video training. I would like to know how to train my dog to relax at the office when I am busy at the desk (I work with calm children as a speachtherapist, but sometimes it is difficult when the dog comes for attention and contact). Thank you. Laurence.

[@laurentroppmann9599]

I'd love to learn how to get my 2 yr old Bernedoodle to chill while we are away. He's so chill and relaxed otherwise, but when we come home to home he is frantic to greet us and, while not at all destructive, has gathered shoes and pieces of clothing to comfort himself on his bed

[@loriphillips5715]

Yes! I have a wonderful BC that has accomplished many wonderful things, thanks to all of Susan’s online classes…But chilling on a dog bed is not been mastered. Even at age 13 he always has one eye on me at all times. He will lay on his dog bed until released no problem. But I failed to teach him the chill part:(

[@rachelfalardeau7258]

Thank you for this video. I get the idea of shaping relaxation in contexts of this present video. But how do your incorporate these behaviors for everyday life situations. For example, I work in a veterinary clinic as a vet tech and I sometimes bring my 6 months old lab puppy. He is so crazy when I enter the clinic, pulls on the leash, wants to jump on my coworkers, etc. What's your advice on this particular context ? Is the problem another matter ? What should I work on ? In my home, my puppy is pretty capable of relaxing, on a mat, for example. Hope my question is clear ! Thank you :)

[@adelehayward828]

Yes, please, more! I'm hoping to eventually teach my anxious dog not to fence run/bark, which she is very well practised at, so a lot of work to do! Some very valuable points here - previously I have thrown food off the mat, which spikes her arousal.

[@shayogirl]

Hi Susan, a follow up video would be awesome! Thank you

[@jaimemiller7950]

I love this! I'm having a bit of a hard time conceptualizing if and how to differentiate this relaxation protocol from Hot Zone and from working on the Pedicure Please program. (I've already built a lot of hot zone value for my pups bed, and just recently started working on the side-lying position for Pedicure Please, and also started a modified FRIDA for when my pup is in her pen or crate and I step outside). Please feel free to point me in the right direction for how to keep these things separate or how to properly integrate them!!!

[@hazelhessen3069]

Love this podcast. Yes I would love more in getting a dog to relax. My French Bulldog is always on guard and won't relax. He is very reactive to dogs and cannot let him off leash when other dogs are around.

[@marym4182]

I just found you in my pursuit of a new career/love of basic dog training..We are about the same age..🥰🌷Thank you for helping to explain training Sooo WELL and making it look easy (even though it’s not necessarily..

[@5085858]

Yes to more relaxation protocol, particularly when I am not around. My dog is not food motivated at all though.

[@josesolorio-hz5ip]

Love it love it love it!

[@DogsThat]

Thank you, Jose! ❤️❤️❤️