🐶 Relax little buddy!

Having a dog that struggles to settle down can be challenging, especially after an active day or in a busy household. Teaching your dog to relax is essential for their well-being and maintaining a peaceful environment. Whether they’re overly excited, restless, or simply full of energy, there are effective strategies to help them calm down and unwind.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips, training techniques, and lifestyle adjustments to help your dog learn to settle and enjoy quiet moments, making life easier for you and your furry friend.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Give Your Pup a New Chomping Fix

Tips to Stop Your Dog or Puppy from Chewing on Furniture 

A hyper or restless dog can be a handful, but teaching them to calm down is easier than you might think with the right strategies. Whether it’s from anxiety or age, there are ways to help your pup relax. This will, in turn, help you as well since you won’t be as worried about their mental well-being.

Here are some practical tips to guide you:

• Provide Regular Exercise: Physical activity is key to burning off excess energy. Daily walks, playtime, or games like fetch can help tire your dog out and help it relax.

• Introduce Mental Stimulation: Mental challenges can be just as tiring as physical exercise. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing games, or basic obedience training can keep their mind engaged and help them settle down afterward.

• Create a Calm Environment: When you want your dog to relax, minimize loud noises and distractions. Use soft lighting, soothing music, or white noise to create a serene atmosphere.

• Teach a “Settle” Command: Train your dog to associate a word like “settle” with lying down and staying calm. Reward it with treats or praise whenever it follows this command.

• Offer a Comfortable Space: Designate a quiet, cozy spot for your dog to relax, such as a crate, bed, or mat. Make it inviting with soft bedding and maybe a favorite toy or blanket.

• Use Calming Products if Needed:

  Consider natural calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers, sprays, or chews, to help ease anxiety or overexcitement. Always consult your vet before trying new products.

• Practice Patience and Consistency: Dogs learn best through consistency and repetition. Reward calm behavior and be patient as they adjust to your relaxation routines.

  With these tips, you can help your dog or puppy develop the ability to relax and enjoy quiet time, making life more enjoyable for both of you! Plus, you may be able to quell some of their anxiety, if that’s a concern.

Try Therapy, Completely Free from BetterHelp

Stigma, cost, and confusion keep too many people from getting help. BetterHelp is working to change that. For Mental Health Awareness Month, they’re offering 1 free week of therapy, because getting started shouldn’t be the hardest part.

Sign up, take a brief quiz, and you’ll be matched with a licensed therapist in under 48 hours. With over 35,000 professionals and a 4.9/5 average session rating, you’re in good hands. No waiting rooms, no commute: just support when you need it.

This May, try therapy risk-free.

Try Therapy for Free

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Blue Ridge Beef - Puppy Mix for potential salmonella.

• Hollywood Feed - Carolina Made Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

• Gaines Family Farmstead - Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

• ANSWERS - All beef and chicken dog foods for potential listeria and salmonella.

The Smile Section

If you have a photo and/or story that can make us smile, send it to [email protected].

Vet Recommendation — Give Music a Try

We’ve already suggested it, but vets say music can hugely benefit anxious or hyped-up dogs. Soothing, slow, and calming music can make all the difference in a pup. Just as it can calm humans down after a long or difficult day, so too can it do the same for pups!

Treats

• 🐶 Save the pup! Read all about how a pup was rescued from the terrifying Eaton fire in California.

• ✍️ Curated dog content: I Love Every Dog creates adorable, heartwarming, and real daily content about dogs, like this post about what we do for our pups.

Want your dog to be featured?

We’d love to!

Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!