When we think about training our dogs, we usually focus on teaching them things like “sit,” “stay,” and “come here, mate!” But what about helping them relax? Yep—that’s a thing! And if you’ve got a working breed or a high-energy pup, teaching them to switch off might just be the most important skill of all.
Why Teaching Dogs to Switch Off Matters
If you’ve ever owned a working breed like a kelpie, border collie or cattle dog you’ll know they’re full of beans. These dogs are bred to be go-go-go, and chilling out doesn’t come naturally. That’s why it’s so important to teach them how to relax early on.
One of our podcast guests, Amy, experienced dog trainer, shared a great example. Her own dog is a kelpie mix, and when he was a young pup, she spent the first few months not just teaching him obedience, but also how to slow down. Why? Because if dogs don’t learn to self-settle when they’re young, that busy brain of theirs can lead to anxiety or behaviour issues later down the track.
Obedience Is Easy Relaxing Is the Real Challenge
Here’s the thing: most dogs, especially clever ones, can pick up obedience at any age. But learning to relax? That’s something that needs to start early. It’s a life skill that helps your pup deal with overstimulation, new environments, and the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
When dogs don’t know how to switch off, they can become restless, reactive, and even a bit anxious. But when they do learn to chill, life gets easier for you and your dog.
Tips to Help Your Dog Learn to Chill Out
Wanna help your pup master the art of doing nothing? Here are a few simple ways to teach your dog to self-settle:
- Create a calm space – Set up a comfy spot like a crate or bed where your dog can relax without distractions.
- Practice mat training – Reward your dog for simply lying on their mat quietly. It teaches them that relaxing earns good things!
- Use enrichment – Puzzle toys, slow feeders and sniffy walks can help mentally stimulate without over-exciting.
- Model calm energy – Your dog takes cues from you, so keep your energy chilled when you want them to settle.
The Bottom Line
Training your dog to switch off is just as important as teaching them tricks and commands. It’s all about setting them up for a happy, balanced life. Especially if you’ve got an active or working breed, building this skill early can make a huge difference.
At Coco + Bondi, we’re all about supporting pet parents with tips, gear, and good vibes. Got a high-energy dog at home? Keep an eye on our blog and socials for more handy advice, or check out our calming gear to help your pup wind down in style.