How to Help Your Dog Calm Down After Playtime: Teaching Calmness Series, Part 4
Training Tips That Work
Many dog owners struggle with the same challenge: How do you help your dog calm down after play or a walk? High-energy activities often leave dogs overstimulated, making it difficult for them to settle. Instead of hoping your dog will self-regulate, you can actively teach them how to transition from excitement to relaxation.
Start With Your Own Energy
One of the most effective ways to help a dog settle is to manage your own energy first. Dogs read human body language and emotional states incredibly well. If you come inside after playtime feeling rushed, loud, or upbeat, your dog will mirror that intensity.
Take a slow breath, move calmly, and speak softly. Your dog will start to pick up the cue that it’s time to relax.
Use a Cue, But Focus on Emotion—Not Just Obedience
Cues, or commands, like sit or down is helpful to give direction, but they don’t automatically produce calm behavior. A dog can lie down while still being mentally wound up. This is why understanding your dog’s body language is key.
Look for signs of stress or tension, such as:
Stiff posture
Rapid breathing
Constant scanning or alertness
And watch for signs of true relaxation, such as:
Soft, relaxed muscles
Slower breathing
Head resting on paws
A quiet, settled gaze
The goal is to teach your dog not just to be still, but to actually feel calm.
Practice Patience to Reinforce Calm Behavior
Teaching calmness takes time and consistency. After play or a walk, stay present with your dog. Don’t rush the process or distract them with high-energy praise. You’re waiting for the genuine shift from excitement to relaxation. You don’t have to DO anything. Just wait for it.
When you see that emotional change—looser body, softer eyes, quieter breathing—reward it gently. Calm praise, a soft “good,” or a slow stroke down the body reinforces the state of mind you want. Be careful not to add stimulation. If that happens, reduce your energy next time — the tone or volume of your voice, the intensity of your touch or eye contact.
Why This Matters
Helping your dog calm down after exercise is one of the most valuable life skills you can teach. Dogs that learn to settle are easier to live with, recover faster from stimulation, and handle new environments with more confidence. Over time, your dog won’t just rely on you to guide the transition—they’ll start calming themselves more quickly and naturally.
Becoming the Leader Your Dog Needs
Dogs don’t need a dominant “alpha”—they need a calm, confident human leader. That means:
Setting clear expectations
Being patient and consistent
Rewarding calm, respectful behavior
At Building Bonds Dog Training in Madison, WI, we specialize in helping dog owners build this kind of leadership at home. Whether you're working with a new puppy or an adult rescue, our custom dog training programs are designed to teach both ends of the leash.
Ready to Lead Your Pack?
Book a consultation today and start your journey to becoming the calm, confident leader your dog needs.
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