Training your dog to “settle” on cue is an incredibly useful skill, allowing them to relax in various situations—from busy family moments at home to calm outings like a café visit. Structured approaches, such as boundary training, help set expectations for relaxation, while teaching true, independent settling without cues fosters adaptability.
Here’s a guide to teaching “settle” by balancing both structured boundary training and unstructured settling skills, making it practical for real-life scenarios.
1. What is Boundary Training?
Boundary training, often called “place” training, involves guiding your dog to a specific area, like a mat, bed, or crate, and encouraging them to stay calm there.
This designated spot becomes a secure, familiar place where they can rest and relax. Over time, your dog learns that when they’re on this boundary, they’re meant to settle, regardless of distractions. Boundary training is especially useful for helping dogs manage their energy and behaviour during active times at home.
2. Structured Training with Boundary Work
Using boundary training for structured relaxation gives your dog a clear expectation of where they should be during activities. Whether it’s their bed in the living room or a mat in the kitchen, they’ll understand that this spot is where they can settle while things are happening around them.
Boundary training is invaluable in daily life, particularly during:
Visits from Guests: Directing your dog to their mat can reduce excitement, managing greetings calmly and providing a safe place to observe.
Cooking and Mealtimes: Teaching your dog to settle nearby while you cook or eat creates a calm environment and stops them from stealing food or counter surfing.
Household Chores: Having a set boundary gives your dog a designated place to relax while you focus on tasks.
To begin boundary training, start by choosing a designated spot, like a mat or bed, where you’d like your dog to settle. Place the mat in a low-distraction area to make it easier for them to focus.
Here’s a simple step-by-step approach to starting boundary training in the video below:
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3. Building True Settling Outside of Structured Training
While boundary training sets a structured foundation, it’s also essential for dogs to learn “true settling” outside of structured cues.
True settling is when your dog learns to relax naturally, without needing a specific command or boundary, which is invaluable in unfamiliar environments like a friend’s home or a busy café.
To foster this:
Encourage Calm in Everyday Settings: Set up a cosy area near you while you read or watch TV. Allow your dog to settle in on their own without direct commands, helping them practice natural relaxation. Provide long lasting chews to encourage your dog to settle down.
Reward Quiet Behaviour: Quietly and calmly praise your dog when they independently choose to lie down and relax. This reinforces self-initiated calmness, helping it become second nature.
Introduce Relaxation in New Places: Bring a familiar blanket or mat to help your dog settle when you visit places like a café. Guide them initially, then let them relax on their own.
Putting Management Strategies in Place for Self-Settling
Setting up effective management strategies can greatly encourage your dog to self-settle. By dog-proofing the room and providing safe, engaging chew items, you create an environment that naturally promotes calm behaviour.
Offering multiple beds or cosy spots around the house gives your dog options for comfortable places to rest. Keeping indoor areas calm by reducing play inside and saving active games for outside can help reinforce a relaxed mindset.
In some cases, using a lead indoors can help manage your dog’s movement, gently guiding them toward settling. These strategies work together to support your dog’s independent relaxation and help them understand that certain times and areas are meant for calm.
4. Finding Balance: Structured and Unstructured Settling
Balancing boundary training with unstructured settling creates a well-rounded ability to relax that’s adaptable to various settings.
Structured boundary training offers predictability and a clear “job” for your dog during high-activity times, while unstructured settling helps them learn to relax independently.
Tips for Balancing Both Approaches:
Start at Home with Structure: Use boundary training for busier moments to help your dog practice settling calmly.
Gradually Wean Off Rewards: As they become comfortable with boundary training, reduce treats, encouraging them to settle calmly without expectation of rewards.
Practice Settling in New Environments: Begin guiding them to settle without boundaries in calm public settings to encourage natural relaxation.
The Benefits of a Balanced Approach
Combining structured boundary training with unstructured settling equips your dog with valuable skills for staying calm in any environment. With time and practice, they’ll feel confident and content whether they’re on a boundary at home or relaxing in a new setting like a café. A well-trained “settle” cue contributes to a low-stress, enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
Read our blog on 'how to take your dog to the pub' for tips specific to pub settle training: https://www.adolescentdogs.com/post/how-to-take-your-dog-to-the-pub
Ready to Take Settling to the Next Level?
If you’re ready to dive deeper into boundary training and independent settling, join our Online Academy and take part in the Calm Canine Challenge! This challenge offers step-by-step video tutorials on teaching boundary training, increasing difficulty, troubleshooting, and practicing real-world applications.
Equip yourself with everything you need to nurture a calm, confident dog who’s ready for any adventure life brings!
Example video:
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