The main difference is the underlying emotional state for the dog, which can also impact their responses. This can be important for anxious dogs, and separation anxiety dogs, when we are trying to train them to genuinely switch off and settle down. If your dog is in a long down stay, they are likely to be alert, and waiting for their next instruction. This may not be problematic for some, but could be come tiring, boring and frustrating for others.

A settle, on the other hand, whilst still involves a long lie down, would typically involve your dog getting into a relaxed type down, perhaps rolled over onto one hip or lay out flat, and genuinely settling down. Ideally they are relaxing, switching off, maybe even dozing off. Now, you might start with a down stay, but move on to a genuine settle. This is absolutely fine!

Whilst a down stay has it’s place, for most of us we want our dogs to be able to switch off. Whether that’s when we have visitors, are on public transport or in the car, or when out for a coffee with a friend. This is where the settle comes in.

Pick a settle mat/bed that you think your dog would most likely choose to settle down on. Some like fluffy cosy beds, others prefer something cooler like a patch of vet bed. Picking something you can take with you to other places you will want your dog to settle works the best.

Spraying the mat with a particular scent that they associate with the training can help to set the tone too. For example, give the mat a light spritz of valerian or lavender (dog friendly) scent. Leave the mat for a good few minutes before putting it near your dog in case the smell is too strong. We don’t want to put them off.

There’s no point trying to train your dog to be calm if they are already bouncing off the walls. Choose a time such as after a walk or training session when you know they will want a snooze. Particularly if you use the treat option, make sure your dog isn’t too hungry. Having a full tum should help to settle your dog and reduce their want to just stare at the treats or get excited.

The first step is to put the settle mat down next to you. Chose a context in which they are happy to settle. Ideally this is somewhere you can sit and relax. Use your hand to gesture them to come onto the mat, you can calmly cue them to lie down to get started.

• The treat option: reward your dog for lying down on the mat. Use the lowest value treats you can get away with. Put the treat down calmly directly in front of them so they don’t have to move. Don’t let them hurry you! If your dog can stay lying down for 10 seconds, reward them for staying lying down every 8 seconds to start with, and gradually build up the time between treats.
• Look closely for signs associated with relaxation such as relaxing ears, lowering head/tail, looking away from you, rolling over onto their hip. Then rolling over onto their side, sighing slow blinking and putting their head down.
• The more you reward these signs of relaxation, the quicker your dog should start to offer them and settle themselves down.

If your dog goes wild for treats you may need a different strategy. Or if you only get so far with the treats option but your dog cannot switch off. You may need to switch to:

• Ttouch or other massage technique that sends your dog off to sleep naturally. Associate this with your mat set up. Speak calmly to them occasionally to reinforce the settle.