Quiet Time Training: Teaching Your Dog to Settle Down When Needed

Understanding the Importance of Teaching ‘Settle’

Dogs are naturally active and social animals. While their energy is part of what we love about them, there are times-such as during work meetings, video calls, or family dinners-when you’d prefer your dog to remain calm and quiet. Teaching a dog to “settle” is more than just a convenience; it’s a valuable life skill for your pet that supports emotional regulation, reduces stress, and strengthens your bond.

A reliable “settle” behavior helps reduce problem behaviors like excessive barking, jumping, or pacing. Through structured quiet time training, you can guide your dog to remain relaxed in a variety of situations.

The Science Behind Calm Behavior in Dogs

Before diving into the training steps, it’s helpful to understand how dogs learn behaviors. Canine learning is largely based on classical and operant conditioning:

• Classical Conditioning: Dogs learn to associate one thing with another. For example, if calm behavior consistently results in treats and praise, they develop positive associations with staying calm.
• Operant Conditioning: Behaviors that result in rewards (reinforcement) are more likely to be repeated. Teaching “settle” relies on reinforcing the exact moment the dog is calm.

Additionally, the autonomic nervous system in dogs governs relaxation vs. excitement. Consistent training, calming routines, and enrichment support the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) branch, promoting a calm state of mind.

Step-by-Step Guide: Teaching the ‘Settle’ Command

1. Choose a Calm Environment to Start

Begin training in a quiet, distraction-free space such as your living room. The fewer external stimuli, the easier it is for your dog to focus and relax.

2. Choose the Right Position

Most dogs naturally find it easier to calm down when lying down. If your dog knows a “down” command, use that to start.

1. Ask your dog to lie down.
2. Wait for a moment when they show a relaxed body posture-settled hips, head down, or taking a deep breath.
3. Softly say “settle”, and immediately reward them with a high-value treat delivered calmly, not excitedly.
4. Continue to reward calm behavior every few seconds while your dog remains relaxed.
5. Use a release cue like “okay” after 10-30 seconds to signify the end of the exercise.

Repeat this process daily, gradually increasing the duration your dog stays in the settled position without prompting. The key is consistency and ensuring the word “settle” becomes associated with relaxation, not simply lying down.

3. Extend Duration and Add Mild Distractions

Once the dog begins to link the cue “settle” with staying calm for a few minutes, begin introducing small distractions while maintaining proximity, such as:

• Talking softly on the phone
• Typing on a laptop
• Standing up or slowly walking around

Always watch for signs your dog might get stressed. Increase the difficulty gradually to avoid overwhelming them.

4. Generalize the Behavior to Other Settings

After mastering the behavior at home:

• Practice in different locations-your backyard, a quiet park bench, etc.
• Increase the variety of situations-before dinner, during Netflix time, or while guests are over.

Pet parents working from home can cue “settle” during scheduled calls, using a place like a mat, bed, or crate to associate with quiet time. Reinforce with an occasional low-effort reward (e.g., a long-lasting chew or lick mat).

Leveraging Crate Training to Encourage Calmness

A crate, when introduced properly, can be a dog’s safe haven rather than a punishment. It becomes a vital quiet zone.

Crate Training Steps:

1. Place soft bedding and a chew toy or interactive feeder in the crate.
2. Feed meals inside the crate with the door open to build positive associations.
3. Once comfortable, begin closing the door for short periods while you’re present.
4. Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate while relaxed, rewarding calm behavior.

Never use the crate for punishment, and always ensure your dog has gone potty beforehand. With time, the crate becomes a place the dog willingly goes to when tired or overstimulated.

Daily Enrichment: A Foundation for Calm Behavior

Dogs that are physically tired but mentally under-stimulated often exhibit hyperactivity or attention-seeking behavior like barking. Integrating enrichment into your dog’s daily routine supports calmness.

Examples of Enrichment Activities:

• Food Puzzles: Slow feeders, snuffle mats, and Kongs encourage problem-solving and reduce boredom.
• Scent Work: Hide treats around the room and encourage your dog to find them.
• Training Games: Five-minute sessions of basic skills or fun tricks exercise your dog’s brain.

Enrichment before high-distraction times (like conference calls) can encourage your dog to rest or settle.

Establishing a Calming Routine

Dogs thrive on predictability. If they know when quiet time happens-and what to expect-they’re more likely to settle naturally.

Implement a Consistent Routine:

1. Provide a physical outlet early in the day via a walk or playtime.
2. Feed using puzzles or frozen meals to stimulate the brain.
3. Use calm spaces like a designated mat, crate, or corner to cue relaxation.
4. Practice 10-minute “settle” sessions before key events (e.g., work meetings).

What to Do If Your Dog Struggles

Some dogs may find it especially difficult to calm down due to anxiety, overstimulation, or lack of prior structure. Watch for signals like lip licking, pacing, heavy panting, or resisting lying down.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Go back to basics: Rebuild confidence in low-distraction spaces.
• Decrease session duration: Reinforce 10-15 seconds of calm, then build up slowly.
• Use calm voice and body language: High energy from you can be interpreted as play.
• Consult a professional: A Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) can help with specialized support if your dog shows signs of anxiety or reactivity.

Conclusion: Quiet Time is a Teach-able Skill

Training your dog to settle is not just about avoiding disruptions-it’s an investment in their emotional well-being. Quiet time training fosters a calmer, more confident dog and provides structure for both pet and owner. Combined with crate training, enrichment feeding, and a calming daily rhythm, your dog will learn when it’s time to play and when it’s time to chill.

TailMe encourages every pet parent to build communication tools that serve both human and canine needs. By teaching “settle” and creating peaceful micro-routines throughout daily life, you help your dog live a happier and more balanced life.