Teaching Your Dog to Settle

Step 1: Decide what you would like to use for your dog to settle on. It could be a bed, blanket small rug, towel or yoga mat.

I prefer a yoga mat as it is non-slip and it is portable so you can take it anywhere, especially veterinary visits!

Step 2: Decide what word you will use. What you pick is up to you but you must be consistent and use the same word every time so your dog does not get confused. Make sure everyone in the household uses the same word. Some examples are: “go settle”, “go to your place (or spot)” “go to bed” or simply “place”

Step 3: Start in an area with not many distractions. Stand close to the mat and lure your dog onto it with a treat or favorite toy. When your dog places all 4 feet on the mat, praise them and reward them with the treat or toy. Never force your dog onto the mat by pushing them or pulling them by the collar.

Step 4: Keep repeating step 3 until your dog starts putting all 4 feet on the mat 100% of the time.

Be sure to praise your dog anytime they sit or lie down on the mat, but at this point you are just looking for them to have all 4 feet on the mat.

Step 5: Start gradually increasing the amount of time your dog must wait on the mat before receiving their reward.

Step 6: Start gradually stepping away from the mat while your dog is on it asking them to wait. The goal should be to increase the amount of time they stay on the mat as well as being able to stay as you move away. Always come back to the mat to reward your dog for staying still.

Step 7: Start having your dog go to the mat on their own by increasing the amount of space between the mat and where you cue them to go to the mat. You may need to walk over with your dog and lure them onto it until they get the hang of it. You can gradually increase the distance.

Step 8: When your dog reliably goes to and stays on the mat in a low distraction environment, you can start slowly adding in some distractions and practice going to place (settle) at different locations such as the backyard, a park, or the veterinary office.

Great resources:

• https://positively.com/dog-training/article/canine-life-skills-settle
• https://caninelearningacademy.com/dog-settle-mat-calm/
• https://cattledogpublishing.com/blog/videos/say_please_by_sitting/
• https://cattledogpublishing.com/blog/videos/say_please_part_ii/

Remember to take the mat with you to places like puppy class or the soccer game where you want your dog to settle!