Text to Speech – https://youtu.be/Vva4rfSM-5g?si=nTnxEFTY6hXZcQ2l

Dog training doesn’t have to be rigid or formal to be effective. In fact, some of the best results come from embracing the natural joy and curiosity that dogs bring into our lives. Whether you’re teaching your pup to stay calm during mealtimes or fostering connection through play, the key lies in making learning fun, not formal.

Fun Matters

Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement, trust, and a sense of partnership. When we engage with our dogs through play or relaxed, pressure-free training, we build deeper bonds. Training doesn’t need to feel like work—it can be an extension of your relationship, where learning becomes a side effect of having a good time together.

Have you ever had your dog hover at mealtimes, eyes locked on your plate, or worse, try to snatch your food? Teaching dogs to relax around food isn’t just about manners; it’s about creating a calm, trust-filled environment.

The ABC (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence) – huh?

The ABC framework is a method used to understand behavior in terms of its context and consequences. It stands for:

Antecedent (A): What happens before the behavior that triggers or cues it. This could be an event, cue, or condition that sets the stage for the behavior to occur.

Behavior (B): The specific action or response the dog performs.

Consequence (C): What happens after the behavior, which either reinforces or discourages it from happening again.

This framework helps identify patterns in behavior and design training protocols that use positive reinforcement to encourage desired actions.

For teaching “Settle”:

Antecedent: You present the mat and/or say the cue “Settle.”

Behavior: The dog lies down calmly on the mat or in the designated area.

Consequence: You reward the dog (e.g., treats,

The ABC (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence) for teaching the “Settle” cue looks like this:

Antecedent: You present the mat or designated area and give the verbal cue “Settle” (if already introduced) or use a hand signal to guide the behavior. Alternatively, you wait for the dog to naturally offer calm behavior near the mat.

Behavior: The dog lies down calmly on the mat or in the designated area.

Consequence: You immediately reward the dog with positive reinforcement, such as a treat, praise, or petting, to reinforce the calm behavior.

By repeating this process, the dog learns to associate the mat and the cue with the desired calm behaviour.

Here’s how to make mealtime a moment of zen.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Z5yLNZtvc2M?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0

Teach the “Settle” Cue – Start by teaching your dog to “settle” on a mat or in a designated area. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior. This provides a clear expectation and helps them associate mealtime with relaxation.

Remember that you have to teach the settle first and help your dog to feel comfortable and rewarded for settling,

Patience Pays Off

Reinforce patience by rewarding calm behaviors rather than reacting to begging or whining. When they see that staying calm gets them praise (or a treat of their own), they’ll start to relax naturally. As you can see in the tutorial, your dog also doesn’t have to be around or under your feet!

As you feel you are progressing with the settle cue under normal conditions such as within the tutorial, you can then up your game. For example: have a yoghurt or snack and give your dog a frozen Kong or other form of food enrichment.

Consistency is Key

Make it a routine. Dogs love structure, so creating a predictable mealtime routine will reduce anxiety and unwanted behaviors.

Building Connections Through Paws to Play

Play isn’t just for puppies—it’s an essential part of every dog’s life. Beyond providing exercise and enrichment, play strengthens your bond and creates opportunities for training disguised as fun.

By doing one of the following suggestions before mealtime, this can help your dog or puppy to relax and sleep, as their mental enrichment and challenges needs have been met.

Here are some ways to use play as a connection-builder:

Interactive Games

Tug, fetch, or even hide-and-seek can teach skills like impulse control and recall. For example, “drop it” during a tug session becomes second nature when it’s woven into a game.

Scent Work

Engage their natural instincts by playing scent games like hiding treats or toys. Not only is this mentally stimulating, but it also fosters teamwork.

Collaborative Play

Choose activities that you and your dog can enjoy together, like agility or puzzle toys. Shared experiences deepen your relationship and build trust.

Take the Pressure Off

The beauty of focusing on fun over formality is that it allows both you and your dog to enjoy the process. You don’t need to aim for perfection. Instead, celebrate small wins and moments of connection. Whether it’s teaching your dog to relax during dinner or chasing each other around the garden, it’s all about the bond you’re building.

From Play to Plate: The Big Picture

Dogs are happiest when their emotional and physical needs are met in ways that feel natural and enjoyable. By focusing on connection—whether through play or mindful training—you’re setting the stage for a happy, relaxed, and trusting relationship.

So, the next time you’re working on a new skill, ask yourself: Is this fun for both of us? If the answer is yes, you’re already halfway there.