How to Train a Settle Command – Vet Steps for Teaching Calm on Cue🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Imagine your dog relaxing on their mat while guests visit, at the café, or during family dinner—all because you said one word: Settle.”

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston. This article teaches you how to train the settle” cue—one of the most useful tools for teaching your dog to relax, stay calm in busy environments, and manage their own arousal.

🧠 What Is Settle” and Why Train It?

Settle” means: go to your spot and relax with a soft body, no fuss, no commands needed after. It’s not stay,” and it’s not down”—it’s calm behavior as a default response to stimulation.

🎯 Benefits of Teaching Settle

• 🧘 Helps anxious or excitable dogs regulate themselves
• 🏡 Reduces chaos during meals, guests, or work-from-home time
• 🐾 Prepares dogs for public spaces, cafes, vet offices, and waiting rooms

✅ StepbyStep VetApproved Training

Step 1: Choose a Settle Spot

• 🛏️ Use a soft mat, bed, or towel (portable if possible)
• 📍 Always use the same surface at first to build consistency

Step 2: Reward Calmness Without Command

• 🐶 Wait until your dog offers a calm posture (e.g., lies down on the mat)
• ✅ Click or say yes,” then gently drop a treat between their front paws
• 🔁 Repeat until they start choosing the mat on their own

Step 3: Add the Word Settle”

• 🗣️ Once your dog consistently lies on the mat, say Settle” just before they do it
• 🔁 Reinforce with calm treats, praise, or a chew toy (not excitement)

Step 4: Build Duration

• ⏱️ Slowly increase time between rewards (start at 5–10 seconds)
• 🧠 Treat less often, but only while they stay relaxed—not alert or fidgety

Step 5: Add Mild Distractions

• 📦 Toss a toy across the room, knock softly, or stand up and sit down
• 🎁 Reward if your dog remains relaxed or resettles calmly

🚫 What Not to Do

• ❌ Don’t lure them into lying down—it creates dependence on food
• ❌ Don’t rush distractions—build slowly over several days or weeks
• ❌ Don’t praise excitedly while they’re trying to relax

💡 Bonus Tip: Pair Settle” with Calming Chews

Use a frozen Kong, longlasting chew, or lick mat on the bed once your dog lies down. This extends duration naturally and helps self-soothe without you constantly rewarding.

📍 Where to Use the Settle” Cue

• 🍽️ During meals (family or restaurants)
• 👨👩👧👦 When visitors arrive
• 💻 While working from home or taking calls
• 🚪 Before vet visits or grooming
• 🚗 In the car to reduce excitement

🎁 Gear That Helps Train Calmness

• Dual Pocket Dispenser – Keep highvalue treats handy for quiet reinforcement
• Bungee Lead – Helps maintain calm transitions on walks or during distractions
• Explorer Harness – Great for calm setups before entering a training space or public area

💬 What Dog Parents Say

Teaching ‘settle’ saved my workfromhome sanity. Now she just naps on her mat while I’m in meetings.” – Priya & Ivy

We used to dread guests. Now I say ‘settle,’ and my dog relaxes while we enjoy dinner. Total game changer.” – James & Riley

👩⚕️ Want a Custom Settle Routine for Your Dog?

Send your dog’s energy level, home setup, and goals to Ask A Vet and we’ll create a personalized settle training program to help your pup relax on cue.

Final Thoughts

Settle” isn’t just a trick—it’s a tool for calmness, focus, and harmony. Whether you have a hyper puppy or an easily overwhelmed rescue, this skill builds emotional regulation and confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Shop VetDesigned Calm Training Essentials →