6 steps to calm down a dog

How to Calm Down a Dog

Introduction:

Some dogs are excessively hyper. This could be because of their age, their breed or their individual personality traits. But all dogs, even the calmest of breeds, occasionally will have times when you need to help them to calm down. Read on to learn how to calm down a dog.

Steps:

Step One

Get exercise. It could be that one of the reasons your dog will not calm down is simply because he has too much unused energy. Many dogs today are lavished with love and affection but are lacking in play and exercise. Take your dog for a walk or go outside and play in the yard for awhile. When you come back in the dog might be able to calm down.

Step Two

Set the tone. Dogs take their cue from the environment and others around them. If the children are running around and the television is playing loudly the dog might not want to calm down for fear of missing out on the fun. Settle down yourself and make the house quiet to see if the dog will calm down.

Step Three

Teach the "Calm" command if your dog often has trouble calming down. Hold the dog still while saying the word "Calm" or "Calm down." If the dog stays still, reward her for her behavior. Continue practicing the calm command until she can calm herself when the command is given.

Step Four

Yawn at the dog. A dog will yawn to calm himself if he is feeling stressed. When he is having a hard time settling down, try yawning yourself for a few minutes. The dog might settle down when he sees you yawn or he might start yawning himself and then eventually settle down.

Step Five

Massage the dog. It is not necessary to do deep muscle massage. Starting at the dog's head and working your way towards the tail, gently rub the dog's skin in circular motions. Eventually the dog will lay down to enjoy the massage.

Step Six

Give her a Kong. The Kong is quickly becoming known as a doggy pacifier. Fill the hollow Kong with peanut butter or put in some of your dog's favorite food and freeze it. It will keep the dog busy for awhile getting the food out. The Kong also provides mental stimulation, helping them to relax and calm down.