Settle is a great way to help your dog get comfortable when they are going to be in a "down" position for an extended period of time. It's also one of the cues that I teach my anxious dogs at home in relaxing conditions so that I can use it in environments that are less relaxing to help them relax more quickly and be less stressed. I pair settle in my anxious dogs with an enrichment piece such as a long-lasting chew (like this one: glnk.io/sara-o... ) or a frozen kong (here's one of my favorite recipes: • Enrichment Treat - 4 S... )
Once you've moved through the steps in this video and have had a few sessions using the word "settle" when your dog's hips shift, advance this skill by moving your treat halfway to their elbow instead of all the way and wait for the hip shift, then say "settle" as that hip shift happens. Next, hold the treat in front of your dog and wait. Let them try to figure out what you are looking for. If they start to shift, give them calm and quiet encouragement like "that's it," and say "settle" as the hips shift (they're figuring it out!). After a few practice sessions with this, next you'll start where you left off, with the treat in front of them and simply waiting. As they shift into "settle", name it, reward them, and move on to asking for it. You'll hold the treat in front of them to start and ask, "settle." This next step requires thinking and figuring things out, so wait and give them the opportunity to think through it. Offer gentle encouragement if they are headed in the right direction. As soon as those hips shift, now switch to using your "yes!" marker or "good!" marker to let your dog know that's exactly what you wanted and be swift with that treat (to reinforce the behavior) and repeat, repeat, repeat! The last step is to remove the treat in front of your dog because you don't want your dog to think that the treat is part of the cue or is required to complete the cue. Hide the treat behind your back, ask "settle" and then mark the hips shifting with your "yes!" and swiftly deliver the reward. Repeat, repeat, repeat!
For anxious dogs, be sure your dog fully understands the settle cue and then start asking for this cue when they will be in a down position for an extended period in the comfort of your home during a down slope in energy (heading towards nap time, not after just waking up or playing). Some examples would be by your feet on a mat in the kitchen while you are cooking dinner or on a mat next to your desk chair as you work for an hour. While your dog is in the "settle" position, initially offer a treat occasionally to let your dog know that they are doing what you are wanting them to do by remaining in that relaxed position. As they get more used to being in that position, back off your treats to help them relax even more (so they aren't waiting for the next one) and even drift off to sleep for a power nap.
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Native Pet Calm Chews (as shown in video - 20% off using this link): glnk.io/sara-o...
ElleVet CBD Chews for Dogs: saraondrako.co...
Super Chewer by BarkBox: superchewer.sn...
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