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Hello hello, Pet Parents! Carlos here. A calm, well-rested dog is a happy dog—and a happier home for all of us. Teaching your dog to unwind and relax is one of the most important life skills they can learn. Relaxation isn’t just about giving pet parents a break (though that’s a nice bonus!); it’s about helping your dog develop emotional balance and confidence in their daily life.
Let’s explore how to use crates or baby gates as tools to create a relaxation routine that benefits both you and your pup.
1. Why Relaxation Is a Life Skill for Dogs
Dogs thrive when they have a balance of activity and rest. Incorporating a daily relaxation routine can:
Reduce Anxiety: Calm dogs are less likely to bark, whine, or engage in destructive behaviors.
Improve Focus: Rested dogs handle training and new experiences more effectively.
Promote Overall Health: Relaxation enhances impulse control, cognitive function, and physical well-being.
Relaxation is especially important after moments of excitement or activity, such as a walk, training session, or playtime. By teaching your dog to unwind, you’re setting them up for long-term success and balance.
2. Setting Up a Relaxation Routine
Create a Relaxation Space
Choose a quiet, low-traffic area in your home where your dog can retreat.
Equip the space with a comfortable bed or mat, and if appropriate, a safe, non-stimulating toy.
If you’re using a crate or baby gate, make the area feel inviting and secure—not like a punishment.
Pro Tip: A predictable, calming environment is key to reducing stress and encouraging your dog to settle.
Timing Is Everything
Schedule relaxation time after moderate to high-energy activities like walks or training.
Be consistent—choose the same time each day to help your dog recognize and anticipate the routine.
Allow your dog a potty break beforehand to ensure they’re comfortable during the session.
Why Timing Matters: Predictable schedules reduce anxiety and help dogs understand when it’s time to settle.
3. Handling Barking or Whining
If your dog barks or whines during relaxation time, it’s likely because they’ve learned that vocalizing gets attention. Even unintentional reinforcement, like looking at them or saying, “Quiet,” can encourage the behavior.
How to Address Barking or Whining
Ignore the Behavior: Stay neutral—no food, talking, touch, or even eye contact.
Be Patient: Dogs often go through an extinction burst, where they bark louder or longer before realizing the behavior no longer works.
Track Progress: Use a notebook or app to log how long your dog barks or whines. Over time, you’ll notice the duration decreasing.
Why Consistency Matters: If you give in during an extinction burst, your dog learns persistence pays off, making the behavior harder to extinguish.
4. Building Up the Routine
Start with short relaxation periods and gradually increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Steps to Build the Routine:
Begin with 5–10 minutes of relaxation time in the crate or gated area.
Use a timer to track each session and ensure consistency.
Gradually extend the duration to 20–40 minutes as your dog masters the skill.
Pro Tip: Introduce mild distractions, like walking around the room, to help your dog learn to stay calm even with small interruptions.
5. Maintaining Consistency
Consistency is crucial for helping your dog understand and trust the routine. Stick to a daily schedule, and make sure everyone in your household follows the same rules.
Family Involvement
Explain the Plan: Let family members know why it’s important not to respond to barking or whining.
Set Boundaries: Use signs or gentle reminders to ensure visitors don’t unintentionally disrupt the routine.
Why It Works: A unified approach reinforces the idea that relaxation time is quiet, calm, and consistent, no matter who’s around.
6. Celebrating Progress
Tracking your dog’s progress can be incredibly motivating. Watching those barking episodes shrink or seeing your dog settle faster are signs that your hard work is paying off.
Quick Recap:
Start with short sessions and build gradually.
Stay consistent and neutral—no reinforcement for barking or whining.
Track behavior to celebrate small wins and identify areas for improvement.
Final Thoughts
Pet parents, teaching your dog to relax is one of the greatest gifts you can give them—and yourself. By creating a daily routine that incorporates crates or baby gates, you’re not only helping your dog develop a crucial life skill but also fostering a more peaceful and balanced home environment.
For a complete step-by-step guide to build your relaxation routine at home, check out our Online Course:
Have questions about setting up a relaxation routine for your dog? Reach out—I’m here to help you and your pup find your calm!
Carlos F. Morales - CDBC | CPDT-KA
Carlos is head trainer at Canine High School in Long Beach CA, a force-free Puppy School and Dog School. He is responsible for creating the School's Dog Training System, Curriculum and Philosophy. In addition to educating his canine students and their human parents, he runs a teaching school that offers apprenticeship and internship programs for aspiring professional dog trainers. He is a Certified Mentor Trainer for several dog training schools and holds certifications with the IAABC and the CCPDT. He lives in Long Beach CA in a little house by the beach with his human, his three dogs GoGo, Kiba, Choji and a sassy cat, Habibti.
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