Puppy 
Training Guide

9) Relaxation

Typically, when we envision a relaxed calm dog, we focus on ways to exhaust their energy. However, what if our dogs could actually learn the art of self-relaxation? This page explores distinct relaxation methods, categorizing them as 'forced relaxation' and 'learned relaxation'. Forced relaxation is any relaxation that happens as a result of something we provide externally to our dog, while learned relaxation imparts the skill for dogs to consciously choose relaxation on their own.

 

Examples of forced relaxation:

• Punishment

• Exercise

• Play, doggy daycare, and dog parks

• Affection, restraint, and commands

 

There are many benefits from forced relaxation when it is done appropriately. Further below we summarize some of the training tools using forced relaxation methods discussed elsewhere in this course, and add a few more to the toolkit.

 

First, a few words about potential drawbacks and unintended consequences of forced relaxation.

 

Punishment drawbacks:

Punishment refers to reducing unwanted behavior. However, it doesn't always involve threats or physical discomfort. For instance, withdrawing affection when a dog demands too much attention can be a form of punishment. Yet, scolding or using physical intimidation rarely benefits the dog. These harsh methods can result in a seemingly calm but emotionally suppressed dog, damaging the bond between you and hindering the dog's ability to flourish.

 

Exercise and play drawbacks:

Exercising dogs to the point of total exhaustion risks dysregulating their nervous systems. Vigorous activities trigger the 'flight or fight' response, releasing high levels of adrenaline and cortisol. Relying solely on play and exercise can lead to a dependency on these chemicals, making it harder for dogs to return to a calm state. Paradoxically, our dog learns to relax only through winding itself up and then physically crashing. Consequently, dogs may become irritable if unable to exercise and unable to relax, exacerbating issues like reactivity, anxiety, and hyperactivity.

 

Affection, containment, and obedience drawbacks:

Relying solely on affection, restraints/containment, and obedience commands often offer short-lived relaxation. Once removed, dogs may revert to an over-aroused state. Excessive affection can also create dependency, leading dogs to seek constant attention and struggle to settle without it.

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The importance of learned relaxation: Teaching learned relaxation grants dogs the ability to consciously choose relaxation, reducing the need for constant micro management and supervision. Learned relaxation, rooted in cognitive emotional control, empowers dogs to relax independently, ensuring they can access these skills on their own. Without it, dogs may struggle to relax unless prompted by external factors.

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Benefits of learned relaxation: Enables dogs to relax through emotional control rather than relying on exhaustion or external cues.

 

In our in-person classes, we delve into advanced behavioral training methods for teaching dogs to self-relax. Meanwhile, below are summarized helpful forced relaxation training methods to encourage more relaxed behavior:

 

Crate training (see “Crate training” library page)

 

Door trick (see “Crate training” library page)

 

Sit and down stays:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ebe7mIzqFA&t=726s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPNz6reMVXY&t=393s

 

Place (and relaxing on a mat)

Below we provide a few resources for teaching place. We would add to these that we like to use an easily transportable dog bed that has a border that is taller than the resting area. That way we can bring it wherever we go, promote relaxation through the most comfortable surface, and create the most clarity for the dog as to where it should be on place.

 

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/training/mat-training-tips/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dea_l6Nb7FQ