Settle Training That Actually Works: The Science + Your Step-by-Step Guide

2025-09-26

Settle training might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the most transformative skills you can teach your dog. In this episode, we dive deep into why the ability to switch off is crucial for your dog’s emotional wellbeing, how it makes daily life smoother and more enjoyable, and the science of what’s happening in your dog’s brain when they learn to relax. Whether you’ve got a high-drive working breed who never stops moving, a reactive dog who struggles to come down from stress, or a family dog who just can’t switch off in the evenings - ...

Settle training might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the most transformative skills you can teach your dog. In this episode, we dive deep into why the ability to switch off is crucial for your dog’s emotional wellbeing, how it makes daily life smoother and more enjoyable, and the science of what’s happening in your dog’s brain when they learn to relax.

Whether you’ve got a high-drive working breed who never stops moving, a reactive dog who struggles to come down from stress, or a family dog who just can’t switch off in the evenings - this episode will give you the insight and step-by-step guidance you need.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why settle training is about emotional regulation, not just obedience
How settle skills support dogs in real-life situations like cafés, vet visits, and busy households
The neuroscience behind stress, calm, and your dog’s nervous system
How different breeds vary in their natural ability to settle (and what to do if your dog struggles)
A practical, step-by-step method for teaching true settling without force or frustration
Troubleshooting tips for dogs who find it especially hard to relax
Why reward delivery matters when reinforcing calm, and how to avoid accidentally hyping your dog up with treats
How settle training connects with foundational work like engagement and reactivity training

👉 Want to build the foundations that make settle training possible? Check out my 21-Day Engagement Training.

👉 Working with a reactive dog? My Reactivity Pack is designed to give you the step-by-step strategies to create emotional safety and calm.

💻 Want to dive deeper into transforming your dog’s behaviour with science-backed strategies that actually work? Check out my digital training products, freebies and online courses at www.listendogtraining.com

You can use code PODCAST10 for 10% off all my digital dog training packages, guides & courses!

📱 Let’s connect! Follow me on Instagram and TikTok → @listendogtraining

🎧 If you found this episode helpful, I’d be so grateful if you left a review 🌟 or shared it with a fellow dog lover - it helps the podcast grow and helps more people train with confidence, clarity, and joy!

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