RELAXATION PROTOCOL
Teaching your dog to relax on a mat or bed.
WHY TEACH IT?
Relaxing on a mat teaches your dog to be calm on cue. The cue in this case is the mat itself. This behavior is useful for those times when you need your puppy to behave while you are otherwise busy, such as when you’re working at your desk, watching TV, cooking in the kitchen, during guest arrivals, and so on.
HOW TO TEACH IT?
Place a mat or bed on the floor in front of you, where your dog is likely to go.
Place a small treat on the mat, and let your dog eat it.
As your dog eats the treat, calmly place another treat on the mat.
Repeat the above steps, pausing in between treats to see if your dog will move all four paws onto the mat. Calmly treat your dog for doing so.
Continue to offer treats, pausing to see if your dog will sit or lay down. Offer a treat if they do.
Continue to offer treats on the mat periodically for remaining seated or lying down.
Capture other calm behaviors such as taking a deep breath, looking away, putting their head down, or shifting their weight to one side or another.
You can reset your dog by tossing a treat off the mat. After your dog resets, repeat the above steps.
TRAINING TIPS
Use a skid-proof bed or mat, so that it is comfortable for your dog to step onto it.
If your dog remains excitable or tries to climb onto you, place the mat to your side instead of in front of you. Remain quiet and calm so as not to reinforce the excitement.
If your dog lays on the mat but doesn’t seem to relax, try to get yourself more settled. Sit down comfortably, and take deep relaxing breaths. Keep your gaze soft, and slightly beside your dog. Capture and reward any looks away from you, or other physical settling from your dog.