Settling vs. Calmness: What Dogs Really Need

Send us a text

Stillness doesn’t always mean calmness. In this episode, Kim and Carla unpack the subtle but important difference between a dog that’s settling physically and one that’s truly calm mentally.

They explore:

🐾 Why extended down-stays promoted by “balanced” trainers can create stress rather than calm

🐾 How a dog’s outside appearance isn’t always a true reflection of their inner state

🐾 Techniques for teaching natural settling without pressure—including rewarding quiet moments and using calm reward markers

🐾 The role of human energy in helping dogs relax, and why staying calm yourself matters just as much

🐾 Why some dogs love chilling in cafés while others shut down in the same environment

Through personal stories—from Kim’s cue for Stanley to “settle down” meaning “go to bed and relax,” to Carla’s work with Branwyn the lab on calm reward delivery—they show how to foster genuine calmness in dogs without forcing it.

Whether your dog struggles to switch off or you want to avoid the pitfalls of forced training methods, this episode will help you nurture relaxation in a way that feels natural and stress-free.

Support the show

Don't forget to rate and review

Follow me on instagram: pooches.galore