(This approach focuses on habituation rather than food-reinforced behaviors. For food-based training, see Stationing & Containment.)

🎯 Goal: Create safe spaces that encourage calm.

Prerequisites
✅ Daily enrichment

✅ Sound management strategies

✅ Clear, consistent communication

Step 1: Create a Calm Zone
Choose a quiet, low-traffic area of your home.

• Spend 2–4 hours daily there with your dog.
• Block the exits or close the door. This teaches your dog to be comfortable in a contained space with you nearby.
• Timing matters: Do these sessions after physical or mental activity to increase the chance of rest.

Add calm-promoting features:

• 🛏️ Mat, favorite blanket, bolstered bed, your scent via pjs or pillow case
• 🎵 Soft music, closed blinds
• 🍖 Lick mats or long-lasting chews (if needed, try without for short sessions)
• 🧘‍♀️ The goal is learned irrelevance—your dog learns that nothing exciting happens here. It’s just a peaceful, “off-duty” space.
• ✔️ Bonus: If your dog already has a go-to resting spot, build on it! You’re halfway there.

Step 2: Make Calm Part of the Routine
Be boring on purpose. Do normal things without engaging:

• 🪑 Sit quietly
• 🚶‍♂️ Stand up and walk to the door
• 🔁 Return and repeat

Mix easy and hard reps:

• 4 “easy” reps (dog stays settled)
• 2 “challenging” reps (dog is likely to follow you)

Once your dog stays settled through these movements:

Introduce light door interactions:

• Touch the knob
• Open and close it
• Step out briefly

🎯 Ready for Step 3 if: Your dog stays relaxed during these moments—or repeat Steps 1–2 in a new room.

Or think about places where your dog is already calm when life happens and doors close. These moments are helping teach your dog that doors closing doesn’t always mean the sky is falling. If your dog is in the main room, close yourself into the laundry room rather that leaving it open. Close more doors more often, i

🌀 Tip: Practice when neither of you is stressed. Fold it into your regular routines to avoid burnout.

Step 3: Ease Into Alone Time

Start with brief departures: leave the room for 1–5 seconds, then return calmly.

Use natural daily moments:

• ☕ Coffee refills
• 📬 Trips to the mailbox
• 🚽 Bathroom breaks

Each time, pause and ask:

• Were the last few reps easy or difficult?
• Is my dog fearful or in a sensitive developmental stage?
• Are they still adjusting to my home?

Troubleshooting
Every dog is different. Progress depends on age, history, temperament, and past experiences. Reflect: Are their physical, emotional, and social needs being met?

If they struggle:

• Try a folding or see-through gate—early on, closed doors can feel too intense.
• Food Enrichment especially frozen topple etc can help—think of it as training wheels for calm. Use it as support, not a crutch.

If you hit a rough patch, that’s normal. Too many hard reps in a row can stall progress. Support is encouraged! Message Me

Remember:
Young or anxious dogs don’t naturally know how to settle—especially when triggered by your absence, loud sounds, guests, or sudden changes. Teaching them to settle is like learning meditation or stretching. It takes patience, repetition, and a supportive environment.

🌱 Calm isn’t something we force—it’s something we build.

Optional Protocols to Explore
Sue Sternberg’s Protocol is a great option to practice as well. You can also explore Karen Overall’s Relaxation Protocol but be sure to review Stationing / Mat work first for this one.

https://youtu.be/KN1h8eSCuT8