Calmness - Kate's Dogs

How to get your dog to be calm!

Calmness in dogs is not just genetic. We can help dogs to be calmer, generally, and it is super important to teach young dogs (adolescents, anyone?) to be calm. Yes, exercise and mental stimulation are absolutely essential, but so is having a dog that can be calm. We need to be careful of our own approach–don’t overstimulate your dogs. If all you do is “Go! Go! Go!” the dogs will struggle to relax–it’s like the Type “A” human personality–not good for you or your pups.

Ideas for promoting calmness:

Capture calmness–when your dog is calm, tell him how wonderful he is. Slip him a little treat or give him a massage!
Make a special time to be calm every day–turn it into a ritual. Make time to read a book, work on the computer or snuggle on the couch for your favorite show. Do this with your dog!
Make certain places “calm areas”. Some folks choose a bedroom, others choose the whole house. Try gently asking the pup to be calm (call them to you, praise, treat on teh floor, massage, then ignore–gently) a couple of times. If he continues to be super excited, send him out to the yard. (note that if your dog has not had enough stimulation, it may be very difficult for him to calm down. Try waiting a few minutes, until you get a moment of calmness, then take for walkies or play, and then repeat the calmness exercise).
Practice just “hanging out” outside too–park bench, lazy Sundays on the porch, etc. It’s really good for your pup to enjoy a bit of sunshine and watching everyone else run around (from a comfortable distance). Treats can be used but are not necessary.