Help… How can I help my dog settle down?
We all know the feeling: we have a dog, so we figure hours of walks and play are the answer. The more exercise, the better! Right? Well… not entirely. We sometimes forget that many active breeds don’t instinctively know how to settle down. We assume that if we wear them out physically, they’ll rest peacefully—but even when you think you’ve done everything right, they may still gnaw at the leash, chase their tail, stay on high alert, and behave like a mischievous toddler. So… what about their minds? How do we get them mentally tired and content enough that they can finally close their eyes for a few hours? How do we train them to calm down?
Below are some tips to help you navigate your dog’s high-energy emotions and teach them to relax as a long-term solution.
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Help! What am I doing wrong?
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Why is rest so important for your four-legged friend?
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Sleep time! Is he actually getting enough?
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Practice and train to relax
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Use that sniffer!
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Daily routine
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Clear commands
Help! What am I doing wrong?
We spend so much time with our dogs—walking them, preparing their meals, buying toys—and we constantly worry whether we’re doing the right things. Online, we see so many well-behaved, perfectly trained dogs that listen 100%, perform every trick, and never react to other dogs. And we wonder: what am I doing wrong?
The truth is, the internet is a highlight reel—up to a point. We think everything we see is “real” and that perfection is the norm. But we don’t see the hours, days, or even years behind those flawless videos. So take a deep breath: you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re simply learning how your (new) dog works. Sometimes we have to fail, learn, try again, and do better next time. And remember: every dog is different! What works for one may not work for yours, and vice versa.
Why is rest so important for your four-legged friend?
Rest isn’t just a way for your dog to chill—it’s essential to their overall health and well-being.
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Physical recovery: Rest helps your dog rebuild muscles, repair tissues, and strengthen their immune system after daily activities like walking or playing. For active breeds, sufficient rest prevents exhaustion and injuries.
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Mental recharge: Dogs can become easily overstimulated by daily stimuli, especially high-energy or stress-sensitive breeds. Lack of mental downtime can lead to behaviors like excessive barking, destruction, or anxiety. A safe, quiet spot lets them decompress and reduces tension.
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Emotional balance: Dogs deprived of sleep may grow irritable or stressed, which negatively affects their behavior. Chronic sleep loss can even weaken their immunity.
In short, rest is crucial for your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional health—it ensures they recover, stay calm, behave well, and ultimately live happier lives.
Sleep time! Is your dog getting enough?
Dogs need ample rest to process what they learn during play and training. Sleep (or downtime) enhances performance, speed, accuracy, and well-being. In fact, sleep is part of the training itself.
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Adults average 12–14 hours of sleep per day.
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Puppies may need 18–20 hours, meaning they’re awake only 4–8 hours each day.
Under-rested dogs can develop behavior issues—general naughtiness, destructive chewing, or even mouthing you aggressively. Sometimes excessive chewing simply stems from poor sleep or an unsafe sleeping environment.
Solution: Use a crate positively. A crate is a (often transparent) box you can close and let your pup sleep in. Crate training is essential for car rides, bike trips, time-outs, or when you’re away. Only ever associate the crate with positive experiences—never punishment. Over time, your pup learns to view it as a safe haven for rest.
Tip: Drape a blanket over the crate for optimal sleep conditions.
Practice and train to relax
Why it’s vital to teach active breeds to unwind
Breeds like Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Huskies, and Terriers are naturally energetic, alert, and built to work (herding, hunting, etc.). Rest doesn’t come naturally to them—you must actively train them to relax. This is especially crucial for young dogs (under 1 year).
How to train “calm”:
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Expose them safely: Bring your dog to a busy environment for short periods (10–15 minutes).
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Reward calm behavior: In the beginning, reward every few seconds they remain sitting or lying quietly. Gradually increase the interval between rewards.
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Correct unwanted reactions: If they bark, lunge, or fidget, give a clear “no” and reset them into the calm position.
With patience and consistency, your dog will learn that staying still—even amid distractions—is both acceptable and rewarding. This reduces stress, destructive behaviors, and improves their response to stimuli, making them happier and more balanced.
Use that sniffer!
Sniffing is one of the most gratifying mental workouts for dogs—20 minutes of sniffing can be as mentally tiring as an hour walk. A simple home game is to hide treats around the house and let your dog find them. This engages their nose and brain, giving them a deep sense of satisfaction.
For an extra challenge, try:
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Zigzag Tube: Fill with treats (or even freeze with tasty spread). Your dog must work to chew and lick them out.
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Lick Mat: Spread soft treats on the mat (or freeze them). Your dog licks it clean, which is soothing and mentally engaging.
After a session with a Zigzag Tube or Lick Mat, your dog will be delightfully tired and ready for a well-earned nap!
Daily routine
Most dogs thrive on consistency. From walk times to meals, predictable schedules give them security and calm.
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Set fixed times for walks, meals, and rest.
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Wind-down period: Especially for high-energy dogs in the evening, allow a gentler activity before bedtime—no high-intensity play.
A clear routine not only regulates energy levels but also reduces stress, helping your dog feel safe and settled.
Are your commands clear enough?
Training isn’t just about giving commands—it’s about using consistent language. You don’t need to shout, but always use the same word for each action. For example, don’t alternate between “sit,” “sit now,” and “sit there.”
If multiple people train your pup, agree on the exact commands in advance. One person saying “off” and another “down” will confuse your dog. Consistency prevents frustration and speeds up learning—for you and your pup!
Good luck and have fun training your four-legged friend!
Woofs,
Snout & Soul