Some dogs seem to have a natural off switch. Others? Not so much. Teaching your dog to settle on cue can transform chaotic energy into calm cooperation. This article shows you how. Let’s get started!

How to Teach Settle & Why It Helps

It helps your dog develop self-control

Teaching your dog to settle is a powerful tool for building impulse control. Instead of pacing, barking, or jumping during downtime, your dog learns to relax on command. This can reduce stress for both you and your dog.

It makes daily life more manageable

When your dog can settle during dinner, car rides, or while guests visit, it creates a more peaceful environment. A settled dog is easier to include in activities and outings. This behavior becomes a cornerstone of polite canine manners.

How to teach your dog to settle in 5 steps

1. Create the right environment. Start in a quiet room with minimal distractions. Have a blanket or mat your dog can associate with settling.
2. Use a calm cue word. Choose a word like “settle” or “relax” and say it softly as your dog lies down calmly. Do not say it when your dog is excited or active.
3. Reward calm behavior. When your dog lies quietly on the mat, reward with a treat placed between their paws. Avoid overexciting them with praise or movement.
4. Build duration gradually. At first, reward for just a few seconds of calm. Over time, increase the length they remain settled before rewarding.
5. Practice in new environments. Once your dog understands the cue, practice it in slightly busier areas. Keep rewards low-energy and consistent.

These steps will help your dog learn to settle, but it’s important to know that failure to stay calm or follow the cue can sometimes come from poor impulse control, an inability to focus, overexcitement, lack of routine, or difficulty understanding what you’re asking.

And until any root behavioral issues are addressed directly, you’ll continue to see problems in other areas.

“Okay, so how do I do that then?”

By developing your dog’s intelligence, that’s how! When they get the mental stimulation they desperately need in a loving, fun, and instructional way, all their behavioral problems start to disappear fast.

To make this happen, you’ll play 21 “brain” games created by Adrienne, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer whose work has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine. See her amazing results in this video with a dog named Maggie (scroll down).

Adrienne’s training games will end bad behavior while also teaching your dog to sit, lie down, stay, heel, drop, and walk calmly by your side. It’s simple, and it will be an absolute blast for you both. She explains exactly how her system works here, go take a look!

Teaching Settle Common Challenges

Your dog gets more excited when you try to calm them

Some dogs interpret attention, even gentle words, as excitement triggers. This can make the “settle” cue backfire. In these cases, it’s best to use quiet body language and minimize eye contact.

Your dog settles for a moment, then pops back up

This usually means the training pace is too fast. Try shortening the duration and rewarding more frequently. Building stability takes time and consistency, especially for energetic dogs.

Your dog won’t settle outside the home

Dogs often struggle with generalizing behaviors to new settings. Practice the settle cue in gradually more stimulating environments. Bring the same mat or blanket to help signal the behavior.

Why Some Dogs Struggle More Than Others

High-energy breeds often need extra help

Breeds with strong working or herding instincts can take longer to embrace calm behaviors. They may need more exercise or brain games before they’re ready to settle.

Dogs without clear structure may resist settling

If your dog doesn’t understand when it’s time to relax, the settle cue won’t mean much. Build a predictable daily routine to create context for calm behaviors.

Some dogs view inactivity as punishment

If your dog has only been told to lie down during time-outs or scoldings, they may avoid settling. Change their associations by making it rewarding and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Settle

Is “settle” the same as “stay”?

Not quite. “Stay” usually means your dog must remain in a fixed position until released. “Settle” means your dog should relax in place, often lying down calmly, but without the strict criteria of a stay.

Can I teach settle to a puppy?

Yes, though it will take more patience. Puppies have shorter attention spans and more energy, but early training builds great habits. Keep sessions short and low-pressure.

What if my dog never stops pacing?

Excessive pacing may be linked to anxiety, lack of exercise, or unmet mental needs. Start with more enrichment activities, then try introducing the settle cue in small increments.

Conclusion

Teaching your dog to settle creates a sense of calm for both of you. It helps build trust, stability, and a shared understanding of how to navigate life together.

P.S. Be sure to pin this so you can refer back to the 5 steps!