5 Easy Ways to Help Your Dog Learn to Calm Down (Yes, Calm Is a Skill)

Most dogs don’t actually need more exercise. They need help learning how to chill.

If your dog goes from 0 to 100 over small stuff (doorbells, other dogs, visitors, car rides), this one’s for you. Calm is a trainable skill — and you can start building it in tiny, easy ways today.

Here are 5 simple, real-life ways to help your dog practice calm without turning your house into a bootcamp.

1) Teach “Do Nothing” Time

This sounds silly, but it’s powerful. Once a day, leash your dog, sit on the couch or a chair, and… do nothing. No commands. No toys. No stimulation.

When your dog finally settles (lies down, sighs, relaxes), calmly say “good” and drop a treat.

Why this works:

Most dogs never practice being calm. They practice doing stuff. This teaches their nervous system that stillness is safe.

2) Calm Before Fun = More Calm Overall

Before walks, meals, or going outside, wait for your dog to be calm first. If they’re bouncing, whining, or losing their mind — pause. The second they settle, you open the door or set the bowl down.

Quick win:

This teaches your dog that calm behavior unlocks good things.

3) Short Training > Long Training

You don’t need 30-minute sessions. Try these once or twice a day.

• 2 minutes of “sit/down”

• 2 minutes of leash practice

• 2 minutes of “place” or bed work

Why it works:

Short, easy reps build confidence and reduce mental chaos without overwhelming your dog.

4) Create One “Safe Chill Spot”

Pick one bed, mat, or corner of your home that is always calm-zone. Any time your dog settles there on their own:

• Quiet praise

• Occasional treat

• No chaos allowed in that spot

This becomes your dog’s emotional reset button. Some of our clients like to use their kennel. This is also a great choice if this is your pups safe/chill zone.

5) End Play Sessions Before Your Dog Gets Wild

Stop games while your dog is still doing well — not when they’re already amped up and losing control. This teaches emotional regulation, not just physical tiredness.

The Big Idea

A tired dog isn’t always a calm dog. But a dog who learns to regulate themselves becomes easier to live with, easier to board, and way happier overall. Small daily calm habits add up fast. Try these out and let me know. Remember - it doesn’t happen over night - Consistence Rules when training your pup!