Teach settling by rewarding your dog for genuinely softening—not simply lying down—then build a calm stay on a mat or bed in small steps. Begin beside you, gradually increase time and distance, and make each new distraction easier at first. If your dog becomes distressed when you leave, mat practice alone is not a treatment for separation anxiety.
What “settle” should look like
A dog can lie down while still being tense and keyed up. Look for signs of softening: your dog may shift onto a hip, lie on a side, or rest the chin on the floor. With practice, the dog should look ready to nap or wait patiently, rather than staring intently at you for the next treat. VCA Animal Hospitals describes settling as a calm behavior that can be taught with positive reinforcement: VCA’s guidance on teaching calm.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to teach your dog to settle
1. Reward calm you see naturally
Choose a quiet, comfortable time and place. When your dog lies down and begins to soften, place a small reward quietly between the front feet. Keep your movements and voice low-key; an excited delivery can interrupt the very relaxation you want to reinforce. Reward subtle changes too, such as a hip shift or the chin coming to the floor.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
2. Pair the word “settle” with relaxation
As your dog starts to relax, say “settle” once, then reward the calm posture. This pairs the cue with the behavior as it emerges. The aim is for your dog to learn to relax, not to stay tense while watching your hand for food.
#1 Best Overall
- REAL BEEF FIRST: Blue Buffalo Bits dog training treats feature high-quality, real beef as the first ingredient to deliver essential nutrition and the savory beef flavor dogs crave
- EXPERT-LED NUTRITION: Designed to help your pet thrive from the inside out, Blue Buffalo all-natural dog treats are developed by a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists for a trusted option in healthy dog snacks
- ENHANCED WITH DHA: These BLUE Bits soft dog treats are enhanced with DHA, an Omega-3 fatty acid that supports healthy cognitive development for puppies and dogs of all ages and sizes
- PERFECT FOR DOG TRAINING: Soft, tender, bite-sized training treats for dogs make repeat rewarding easy during dog training sessions without slowing or interrupting your dog’s focus
- HEALTHY SKIN & COAT: Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids from flaxseed support healthy skin and a shiny coat
3. Build a go-to-mat routine
A mat or dog bed gives your dog a clear place to practice, but it is optional: any safe, comfortable surface can work. Keep the mat close to you at first. Wait for your dog to lie down, or use a previously learned “go to bed” cue, then place the reward quietly on the mat while the dog remains lying down. Favor softer postures as your dog relaxes.
When your dog can stay settled, gradually leave more time between rewards. Increase the interval in small increments, and move the mat farther away in small steps. A remote-operated treat dispenser is one optional way to deliver a reward while you practice adding distance; it is not necessary.
Rank #2
- Highly Palatable with natural pork liver base
- 500 treats per bag!
- Only 1.5 calories per treat
- Clean ingredients with no corn, soy or artificial flavors
- Made with natural bacon
4. Add everyday distractions one at a time
When you introduce a distraction, begin with the mat nearby and rewards frequent. If your dog looks toward a sound or movement, allow a brief alert, then reward when the dog returns to a relaxed posture. Increase duration, distance, and distraction level gradually rather than raising all three at once. If your dog cannot relax, make the exercise easier—move closer, reduce the distraction, or shorten the interval before the next reward.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Choose a setup that helps your dog feel safe
Settling beside you and settling on a mat build related but distinct skills: a relaxed posture, then the ability to maintain it at a designated spot and gradually greater distance. A mat or bed is enough for this exercise. A crate is not required; Cornell University’s veterinary college notes that a crate may help in some situations when positive reinforcement has first taught the dog that it is a safe place to settle. Do not use confinement to make a distressed dog endure being alone. See Cornell’s guidance on when and how to use a dog crate.
Rank #3
- Natural dog treats made with added vitamins and minerals and no corn, wheat, or soy at only 2 calories per treat
- Keeps dogs begging for more with soft dog treats featuring real ingredients like cherries and peanut butter
- Excellent dog training treats dogs can enjoy on the trail, or on any adventure, while encouraging bonding
- Chewy treats crafted in the USA using the Earth’s best ingredients
- Choose your adventure with other Zuke’s treats for dogs like Lil’ Links, Puppy Naturals, and Hip and Joint
When settling is difficult
Difficulty relaxing may reflect excitement, fear, frustration, anxiety, or physical discomfort. Adjust the setting and training difficulty rather than insisting that your dog stay put. If your dog seems uncomfortable, distress is substantial, or progress is not steady, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Pay particular attention to problems that occur around departures. Separation-related distress can include vocalizing, destructive behavior, house soiling, salivation, pacing, restlessness, inability to settle, appetite changes, or repetitive behavior. The Merck Veterinary Manual’s overview of dog behavior problems describes signs that may warrant assessment. A dog who struggles when left alone may need a separation-specific plan, gradual tolerance-based behavior modification, and professional support—not just a mat exercise. Your veterinarian can help determine the next step; VCA’s overview of separation anxiety and the AAHA canine separation-anxiety case guidance provide further context.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- SHIPMENT CONTAINS: 2-pound bag (32 oz) of small bite-sized dog training treats in a resealable pouch
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: American chicken is the #1 ingredient, perfect for rewarding your dog during training sessions
- NO FILLERS: No added corn, soy or wheat; No added colors or artificial flavors for a wholesome treat option
- TRAINING SIZE: Small treats ideal for bite-sized rewards during training, reinforcing positive behavior without overfeeding
- PREVIOUSLY WAG: Previously Wag, now Amazon Basics. Packaging may vary but item and quality remain the same
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
