How to Stop Overstimulating Your High-Drive Dog: Teaching the Art of Settling

One of the most valuable skills you can teach a high-drive dog isn't a fancy trick or command — it's the ability to settle. 🐾

The Problem with Constant Stimulation

If your dog is constantly entertained with toys, puzzles, and endless games, they never learn how to simply be calm in their environment. The same goes for trying to "wear them out" with multiple walks, runs, or hikes every single day. That's not sustainable — and let's be honest, you'll be exhausted long before your dog is!

Think about it this way: if you're a busy, high-energy person who's always rushing from one thing to the next, do you find it hard to just sit quietly in stillness? (I know I do, classic type A personality!) A high-drive dog that's constantly overstimulated is experiencing the same problem: they don't know how to turn off.

How to Teach Your Dog to Settle: 4 Essential Steps

1. Remove Constant Entertainment

✅ Put away the toys and constant stimulators — your dog doesn't need entertainment 24/7.

2. Create Predictable Routines

✅ Stick to a consistent routine — predictability creates calm.

3. Balance Activity with Rest

✅ Balance activity with downtime — take a walk, then practice the place command or a simple down-stay in the house.

4. Establish Quiet Time

✅ Build in quiet time — if your dog learns that 10–11 am is always rest time while you work or spend time with your kids, they'll eventually start settling on their own.

The 30-Day Challenge

Try this routine consistently for a month and watch what happens. You'll likely notice your dog becoming calmer, more relaxed, and easier to live with — and you'll feel more at peace too.

Creating Calm Households

Let's strive for calm households. There's already enough chaos out in the world — our homes should be the place where both we and our dogs can breathe and reset. 💛

Remember, teaching your dog to settle isn't just about managing their energy — it's about creating a peaceful environment where both you and your furry companion can thrive together.