The Importance of Puppy Relaxation with Laura Donaldson

Laura Donaldson, is a PhD, CDBC, KPA CTP and the owner of Four Paws, Four Directions Dog Training & Behavior Consulting, LLC at https://fourpawsfourdirections.com

The episode focuses on THE IMPORTANCE OF RELAXATION FOR PUPPIES (& ALL DOGS). Topics covered include mat training for puppies, calming enrichment activities and the cognitive as well as emotional underpinnings of the RELAXATION RESPONSE that we want to teach our puppies.

TEN WAYS TO HELP YOUR DOG LEARN TO “REALLY” RELAX ON A MAT!

1. Do not use a clicker or other excitatory marker with mat training – if you want to use a marker, use a CALMING one like “Niiiiice,” or “Gooooood,” said in almost a subliminal tone of voice.

2. Do the “Be Still/Reward Nothing” game on the mat. No movement, not even a wagging tail.

3. Every time you place a treat down on the mat (because we’re feeding the mat, not the dog), ask your dog to TAKE A DEEP BREATH. The sequence would be:

Calming Marker -- Ask the dog to TAB -- Place treat on the mat

4. Give your dog a LickiMat spread with baby food, squeeze cheese, xylitol-free yogurt or even an overripe banana on his/her mat. There is science & hard data backing up that calm repetitive licking induces both a physical & neurochemical “feel good” sensation that is very soothing.

5. Do some massage with your dog on the mat.

6. Do Tellington TTouch Ear Slides with your dog on the mat.

7. Give your dog a stuffed, frozen Kong on his/her mat.

8. Dogs use social mimicry to interpret their environment, so if the human stands by the mat and practices relaxed, deep breathing, dogs will often imitate what their human is doing.

9. Have your dog on their mat & plug in a pheromone dispenser nearby.

10. BE CALM & RELAXED YOURSELF AND CHANCES ARE THAT YOUR DOG WILL BE (MORE) CALM & RELAXED!!

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