Are you one of those people who enjoys taking your dog to the cafe, to work, or maybe just to visit friends and family? Or does that sound completely unlikely for your dog?
I have collected tips on how you can teach your dog to relax when you are on the go:
How to practice the exercise “Calm on the carpet”
Do you dream of enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in a café while your dog lies relaxed by your side? It requires training and a solid routine so your dog knows what is expected of him.
What you need:
A dog blanket or a dog bag (if you have a small dog, for example)
Delicious treats
One of the most effective exercises for this is “Calm on the carpet” , “Place” or “Basket” . (use a command that makes sense to you and your dog)
Start training at home in a quiet environment. Let your dog explore the rug and reward him for simply showing interest – sniffing, stepping on or sitting on the rug.
When your dog starts to lie down on the blanket, calmly reward him . Gradually increase the time before giving the reward so that your dog learns to stay down.
Does your dog get up before you give permission? Say a calm but firm command like “ah ah” and gently guide him back onto the rug. Repeat the training until your dog understands that he can only get up when you give the signal.
Take the blanket with you on the go
Once your dog has learned to find peace at home, you can start taking the blanket outside – for example to a café or restaurant. Because the blanket is already a safe place, your dog will be able to relax more easily in new surroundings.
How to practice calmness in everyday life
Practice the walk
When you're out for a walk, find a bench and sit for a moment. Practice calm by sitting still, without anything happening. If you've already practiced "calm on the rug" at home, you can bring the rug with you so your dog recognizes the signal.
Take the time it takes.
Stay in the sit position until your dog accepts that you are just sitting. When he relaxes, praise him calmly and then you can move on. This teaches the dog that finding peace is rewarding.
Good luck.
Psst these are my dog's favorite treats
