How to Teach Your Dog to Take a Breath: TAB Relaxation Training

By Dr Duncan Houston.

Take a Breath, commonly shortened to TAB, is a reward-based training exercise that teaches dogs to offer a visible breath as a voluntary behaviour.

The exercise comes from Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed® programme and was adapted from veterinary behaviourist Dr Karen Overall’s work involving breathing and other biofeedback methods.

TAB may support relaxation, focus and communication when taught carefully. It is not a command to stop feeling anxious, and it should never be used to keep a frightened dog in an overwhelming situation.

Quick Answer

To begin teaching Take a Breath:

Sit quietly with your dog in a familiar environment.
Keep a strongly scented treat hidden from view.
Bring the treat into your hand and hold it away from your dog’s face.
Watch for a nostril flare, gentle sniff, closed mouth or visible chest movement.
Mark the beginning of the breath with “yes” or a click.
Slowly move the treat towards your dog and reward.
Repeat for several short, relaxed repetitions.

Practise at home before adding distractions. If your dog is panting heavily, refusing food, freezing or struggling to breathe, stop the exercise and assess why.

What Is Take a Breath Training?

TAB teaches a dog that quietly inhaling or taking a deliberate breath can earn reinforcement.

The handler learns to recognise subtle physical signs of breathing, including:

Nostrils widening
A brief sniff
Gentle movement of the chest or abdomen
The mouth softly closing
A visible inhale followed by a slower exhale
Slight movement around the cheeks or muzzle

The dog is then rewarded for offering that behaviour.

With repetition, a verbal cue such as “breathe” may be introduced. The familiar behaviour can later be practised in mildly distracting environments.

Where Did TAB Come From?

The Take a Breath exercise is associated with Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed® programme and was adapted from Dr Karen Overall’s biofeedback protocol for dogs.

Dr Overall’s protocol combines attention, breathing and calm interaction to help prepare dogs for learning and behaviour modification. Read Dr Karen Overall’s breathing and biofeedback protocol.

TAB should be viewed as one tool within a larger reward-based approach, not as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety, aggression or reactivity.

How TAB May Help

When practised in an appropriate environment, TAB may help a dog:

Pause before reacting
Reorient towards their handler
Practise quieter behaviour
Develop a familiar relaxation routine
Transition from activity to rest
Recover after mild excitement
Prepare for training
Communicate that they are becoming overwhelmed
Settle in predictable, low-pressure situations

The exercise can also teach handlers to observe small changes in breathing and body language.

What TAB Does Not Guarantee

It is important not to overstate what one exercise can achieve.

TAB does not guarantee:

A specific reduction in heart rate
Immediate relief from severe anxiety
Prevention of every barking episode
Safe proximity to a feared trigger
Resolution of aggression
Treatment of separation anxiety
Treatment of respiratory disease
A substitute for medication when medication is needed

A dog can perform a trained behaviour while still feeling worried. Continue watching their entire body rather than assuming one breath means they are completely relaxed.

What You Will Need

Prepare:

Small, soft treats
Strong-smelling rewards for the first sessions
A clicker or verbal marker such as “yes”
A quiet room
A comfortable, non-slip surface
An optional mat or bed
Good lighting so you can observe the nose and chest

Treats should be appropriate for your dog’s health and included within their daily calorie allowance.

Dogs with allergies, gastrointestinal disease, pancreatitis, kidney disease or prescription diets may require veterinarian-approved alternatives.

Before You Start

Begin when your dog is:

Comfortable
Breathing normally
Willing to eat
Not overheated
Not highly excited
Free to move away
In a familiar environment

Avoid starting immediately after vigorous exercise or during intense panting. It will be difficult to identify a deliberate breath, and the dog may need cooling, water or rest instead of training.

A mat can provide a familiar location, but your dog does not have to lie down. Standing, sitting or resting on one side may all be acceptable.

Method One: Air Scenting

Air scenting uses the smell of food to encourage a visible sniff or inhale.

Step 1: Settle Into Position

Sit near your dog without leaning over them.

Keep treats nearby but out of sight. Constantly displaying the food may increase excitement and make subtle breathing harder to observe.

Step 2: Present the Scent

Take out one treat and hold it in your closed or partially closed hand.

Keep your hand a comfortable distance from your dog’s face. Do not push the treat under their nose.

Step 3: Watch Carefully

Look for:

A nostril flare
A small sniff
The mouth closing briefly
Cheek movement
Chest expansion

Some dogs have very obvious nostril movement. In others, particularly dark-faced, long-haired or flat-faced dogs, chest movement may be easier to see.

Step 4: Mark the Breath

Mark the moment the breath begins by saying “yes” or clicking.

Precise timing helps your dog understand which behaviour earned the reward.

Step 5: Reward Slowly

Move the treat calmly towards your dog and allow them to eat it.

Rapid delivery can increase excitement. Smooth, predictable movement supports the quieter tone of the exercise.

Step 6: Repeat Briefly

Complete three to five repetitions, then finish.

Several short sessions are generally better than one long session.

Method Two: Modelling the Breath

Some dogs respond when their handler demonstrates an exaggerated inhale.

Step 1: Prepare as Before

Sit near your dog with treats hidden and the environment quiet.

Step 2: Bring the Treat Towards Your Own Nose

Hold the treat near your nose and take a slow, visible breath.

This may draw your dog’s attention towards the scent and your breathing movement.

Step 3: Watch Your Dog

When your dog sniffs, widens their nostrils or visibly inhales, mark the behaviour.

Step 4: Reward

Slowly move the treat towards your dog and deliver it.

Repeat for several short, calm repetitions.

Your dog does not need to copy the exact depth or rhythm of your breathing. You are simply creating an opportunity to notice and reward their breath.

When to Add the “Breathe” Cue

Do not add the cue before your dog understands the behaviour.

Wait until your dog is reliably offering a visible breath after the treat appears.

Then:

Say “breathe” once.
Present the treat scent or model the breath.
Watch for the inhale.
Mark.
Reward.

As the response becomes reliable, gradually make the food prompt smaller.

The cue should predict an opportunity to perform the behaviour and earn reinforcement. It should not be repeated as a command while the dog is distressed.

How to Know Whether Your Dog Is Relaxed

Look beyond the breath.

Signs that may accompany increasing comfort include:

Softer eyes
Relaxed facial muscles
Looser posture
Reduced scanning
Slower movement
Normal interest in food
Ability to look away
Resting the head
Settling onto one hip
Smooth recovery after mild distractions

Possible signs that your dog is struggling include:

Repeated lip licking
Yawning
A tightly closed mouth
Freezing
Crouching
Frantic treat-taking
Heavy panting
Pacing
Trembling
Refusing food
Fixed staring
Barking or lunging
Attempts to escape

One breath does not override the rest of your dog’s body language.

Phase Two: Adding Mild Distractions

Only add distractions once your dog can perform TAB comfortably in a quiet room.

Possible first locations include:

A different room
A hallway
Near an open door
A quiet garden
A driveway
A quiet outdoor area
A veterinary clinic car park during a calm visit

Change one element at a time.

Keep enough distance from distractions that your dog can still:

Eat normally
Move freely
Notice the environment without becoming fixed
Respond to the familiar setup
Recover quickly
Choose to leave

If TAB stops working, the environment may be too difficult.

Using TAB for Barking

TAB may provide an alternative behaviour when a dog is beginning to become vocal, but it is not a “shut up” cue.

Practise before barking occurs.

For example:

Teach TAB in a quiet room.
Practise near a low-level sound.
Reward a breath before the dog begins barking.
Gradually introduce slightly more noticeable sounds.
Stop or increase distance if arousal rises.

Once a dog is barking intensely, repeatedly saying “breathe” is unlikely to be effective. At that point, focus on distance, visual barriers and environmental management.

Barking caused by fear, separation anxiety or territorial behaviour requires a broader plan.

Using TAB Around Visitors

Before guests arrive:

Exercise and toilet your dog appropriately
Prepare a quiet retreat area
Use barriers or a lead
Begin TAB before the door opens
Keep visitors at a comfortable distance
Ask guests to ignore the dog initially
Reward voluntary calm behaviour

Do not use TAB to keep a frightened dog beside visitors. Allow the dog to retreat to a safe area.

Using TAB at the Veterinary Clinic

TAB may become part of a low-stress veterinary visit if it is taught well in advance.

A gradual progression may include:

Practising beside the parked car
Practising inside the stationary car
Visiting the clinic car park
Practising outside the clinic entrance
Entering briefly during a happy visit
Using TAB in an examination room before handling

If your dog refuses treats, freezes, pants heavily or tries to escape, pause and provide more distance.

Dogs with significant veterinary fear may require pre-visit medication and a tailored handling plan.

Using TAB During Walks

TAB may help during quiet pauses or when a mild distraction appears at a safe distance.

It should not be used while standing close to a dog, person or vehicle that is triggering a strong reaction.

If necessary:

Move away first.
Find a safe location.
Allow your dog to recover.
Begin the familiar TAB exercise only when they can participate voluntarily.

Distance is not a failure. Distance is often what makes learning possible.

What If I Cannot See My Dog Breathing?

This is common, especially in dogs with:

Dark noses
Long facial hair
Heavy coats
Small nostrils
Flat faces
Very subtle breathing movements

Try watching:

The ribcage
The abdomen
The corners of the mouth
The cheeks
The nostrils from the side

Good lighting and short video recordings may help you recognise your dog’s normal breathing pattern. Do not repeatedly create stressful situations simply to record the behaviour.

You can initially mark any clear sniff before refining the behaviour.

What If My Dog Becomes Excited by the Treat?

Food can increase arousal in some dogs.

Try:

A lower-value treat
Smaller pieces
Slower delivery
Keeping the food hidden
Shorter sessions
Training after part of a meal
Allowing a calm break between repetitions

If the dog grabs food, guards it or becomes aggressive, stop and seek help from a qualified reward-based professional.

What If My Dog Will Not Eat?

Food refusal may indicate:

Fear
Excessive environmental difficulty
Nausea
Dental pain
Heat
Fatigue
Medication effects
Illness
Lack of interest in the selected reward

Do not push food towards the dog’s mouth. Reduce the difficulty and allow them to leave.

If appetite remains reduced outside training, contact your veterinarian.

What If My Dog Is Panting?

Panting may be caused by:

Heat
Exercise
Excitement
Fear
Pain
Medication
Respiratory disease
Heart disease
Hormonal disease

If your dog is panting because they are warm or have just exercised, allow them to cool and recover before training.

Persistent or unexplained panting warrants veterinary assessment.

Breathing Problems Are Not a Training Issue

TAB should only be practised with a dog who is breathing comfortably.

Seek urgent veterinary care if your dog has:

Laboured breathing
Rapid breathing at rest
Blue, grey or very pale gums
Open-mouth breathing with distress
Neck extension
Abdominal effort when breathing
Collapse
Weakness
Inability to settle
Sudden noisy breathing
Coughing accompanied by respiratory distress

Do not attempt breathing exercises when a dog may be experiencing a medical emergency.

Special Considerations for Flat-Faced Dogs

Brachycephalic dogs may have restricted airflow and more visible respiratory effort.

Be particularly cautious if your dog:

Snores heavily while awake
Tires easily
Gags or retches
Struggles in warm weather
Breathes noisily
Has previously collapsed
Requires extended recovery after exercise

Do not interpret airway effort as a successful trained breath. Discuss abnormal breathing with your veterinarian.

When TAB Is Not Appropriate

Pause or avoid the exercise if:

Your dog is highly distressed
Breathing appears abnormal
Your dog is overheated
Food creates conflict
Your dog has severe resource guarding
The dog cannot move away
The environment is unsafe
The trigger is too close
Your dog has become frustrated
The exercise increases arousal
Immediate evacuation or medical care is required

Safety and emotional comfort come before completing the exercise.

Common Training Mistakes

Moving Too Quickly

A dog performing TAB at home may not be ready to use it around traffic, strangers or other dogs.

Repeating the Cue

Repeatedly saying “breathe” while the dog is overwhelmed can weaken the cue and add pressure.

Rewarding Without Watching

Timing matters. Delivering food randomly may not teach the intended behaviour.

Pushing Food Into the Dog’s Face

The treat should invite a gentle sniff, not create pressure or discomfort.

Focusing Only on the Nose

Watch the chest, mouth, posture and overall body language.

Treating One Breath as Proof of Relaxation

The dog’s whole body and behaviour provide the complete picture.

Using TAB Instead of Increasing Distance

A trained behaviour cannot make an unsafe situation safe.

Using Punishment When the Dog Cannot Respond

Punishment may increase fear and undermine the trust required for relaxation training.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based methods for dog training and behaviour modification. Read the AVSAB humane training position.

A Simple Seven-Day TAB Plan

Day 1

Observe your dog’s normal breathing while they are relaxed. Do not ask for anything.

Day 2

Introduce the air-scenting method for three repetitions.

Day 3

Repeat two short sessions and practise your marker timing.

Day 4

Try the modelling method and compare your dog’s response.

Day 5

Begin saying “breathe” immediately before the familiar prompt.

Day 6

Practise in a second quiet room.

Day 7

Try a calm location with one mild background distraction.

This is not a deadline. Remain at each stage until your dog is comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs really learn to take a breath on cue?

Many dogs can learn to offer a visible sniff or inhale after a cue. The movement may be subtle, so handlers must practise observing it.

Does TAB lower a dog’s heart rate?

Breathing, arousal and heart rate are connected, but a visible trained breath does not guarantee a clinically meaningful reduction in heart rate. Assess the dog’s complete emotional and physical state.

Can TAB stop barking?

It may provide an alternative behaviour before barking escalates. It will not address every cause of barking and should not be used to suppress fear.

Does my dog need to lie on a mat?

No. A mat may provide context and comfort, but your dog may stand, sit or lie down.

How long should a session last?

Begin with three to five repetitions. Sessions lasting one or two minutes are often enough.

Should I use high-value treats?

Use treats valuable enough to motivate your dog without creating frantic excitement. The ideal value depends on the dog and environment.

Can I use TAB for a reactive dog?

Yes, but only at an appropriate distance and as part of a larger behaviour plan. It is not a substitute for management or professional assessment.

What if TAB makes my dog more excited?

Use lower-value food, shorten the session or stop. Not every relaxation exercise suits every dog.

Can puppies learn TAB?

Yes. Use very short sessions, tiny treats and an easy environment.

Can senior dogs participate?

Yes, provided they are comfortable and medically stable. Consider pain, hearing, vision and cognitive changes when planning sessions.

Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Take a Breath is not about commanding a dog to relax. Relaxation cannot be forced.

The exercise teaches a small, observable behaviour that may support focus, predictability and communication. Its greatest value often comes from teaching us to slow down and notice what the dog is already telling us.

Practise while your dog is comfortable, progress gradually and stop when their body language says the situation is becoming too difficult.

Build a Calmer Training Plan With ASK A VET™

Not sure whether your dog’s panting, barking or restlessness reflects excitement, anxiety, pain or a medical problem? ASK A VET™ can help you review their symptoms, triggers, body language and training environment.

Visit AskAVet.com or download the ASK A VET™ app for personalised veterinary guidance and reward-based behaviour support tailored to your dog.

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About the author

Dr Duncan Houston

Veterinarian · Founder of ASK A VET

Every ASK A VET article is written and reviewed by qualified veterinarians.

About Dr. Duncan →drduncanthevet

How to Teach Your Dog to Take a Breath: TAB Relaxation Training