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Life at home

Settling on a mat

Give your dog a place where nothing is expected of them.

8 minBeginner

You'll need: A mat, blanket or bed, A few treats, Something quiet to do yourself.

Settling on a mat — a dog and their person practising together

How to do it

  1. Step 01

    Make the mat pay

    Drop a treat on the mat whenever your dog steps on it. Say nothing — let them work out that the mat is a good place.

    Illustration: Make the mat pay
  2. Step 02

    Reward lying down

    When they lie down, calmly place a treat between their front paws. Low energy rewards keep the mood low energy.

    Illustration: Reward lying down
  3. Step 03

    Sit down yourself

    Read, scroll, have a coffee. Every couple of minutes, quietly drop another treat while they rest.

    Illustration: Sit down yourself
  4. Step 04

    Let them get up

    Rest shouldn't feel like being trapped. Let them leave when they want, and welcome them back later.

    Illustration: Let them get up

How did it go?

Tell us about your dog and we'll keep track of what you've worked on, and suggest what to try next.

Tell us about your dog

A good one to do next

Being happily aloneShort, calm absences that teach your dog you always come back.