Teaching Relaxation
Unlike regular training, which encourages your dog to stay alert and ready for the next cue, these are training sessions that encourage calm and relaxed behavior.
These two protocols are very different in application, but work toward the same goal. I recommend starting with the voluntary exercises, but if you and your dog struggle with that, move to the structured protocol, then go back to the voluntary exercises later.
​
Exercise 1: Voluntary Relaxation
This encourages the dog to self-regulate and offer relaxed behaviors without being told.
​
Voluntary Relaxation Protocol PDF
​
Exercise 2: Structured Relaxation
A more structured program. It is also more complex, with different steps for each session.
​
Structured Relaxation Protocol
​
I recommend using these audio recordings during your training sessions, so you don't need to keep referring back to the document.