Mental Exhaustion = Calm Dog
10 Things You Can Do Right Now to Calm Your Dog (Before You Call a Trainer)
If your dog is barking, chewing, jumping, or just generally acting like they’ve had three cups of coffee — you’re not alone. Most behavior problems aren’t because your dog is bad or stubborn… they’re just not being given the right outlets.
Before you spend hundreds on a trainer, try these 10 quick, effective activities that help dogs release energy, reduce stress, and actually start listening.
Click Here to See the Science-Backed System That’s Calming Dogs Everywhere
1. Sniffari Walk
Let your dog lead the walk and sniff everything. Don’t rush. Don’t pull. Let them explore.
- Why it works: Sniffing is calming and mentally exhausting for dogs — more than running!
2. The Towel Roll Game
Wrap a few treats in a towel, roll it up, and hand it to your dog. Let them sniff, unroll, and problem-solve.
- Why it works: Simple nosework and brain engagement burns frustration and creates calm.
3. Cup Game
Put a small treat under one of three cups. Shuffle them. Let your dog sniff and pick the right one.
- Why it works: Builds focus, memory, and gives your dog a job to do.
4. “Find It” Challenge
Hide treats around a room or in the yard. Let your dog sniff them out.
- Why it works: Engages scent tracking instincts and tires out their brain.
5. Lick Mat Reset
Spread peanut butter or plain pumpkin on a textured lick mat. Freeze it if you want it to last longer.
- Why it works: The repetitive licking is soothing and helps dogs settle down.
6. Frozen Kong Time
Stuff a Kong with a mix of banana, kibble, or yogurt. Freeze and let your dog work on it.
- Why it works: Combines problem-solving, chewing, and relaxation in one go.
7. DIY Obstacle Course
Use pillows, chairs, boxes, or broomsticks to make a mini agility course in your living room.
- Why it works: Builds coordination, confidence, and provides physical and mental stimulation.
8. Treat Scavenger Hunt
Scatter a handful of kibble or treats on the floor or in the grass and let your dog sniff them out.
- Why it works: Mimics foraging behavior, calms the brain, and satisfies their instincts.
9. Calm Chew Time
Offer a safe chew like a bully stick, Himalayan chew, or long-lasting dental treat.
- Why it works: Satisfies the need to chew while helping dogs self-soothe.
Click Here to Watch Bad Behavior Disappear – One Game at a Time
10. Place Training
Teach your pup to stay on a mat or bed using rewards and calm praise. Start small — even 1 minute of stillness is a win.
- Why it works: Builds impulse control and becomes your dog’s “calm zone.”
Bonus Tip:
Start with just one or two of these a day. Even small changes can lead to big improvements in behavior.
If you’re ready for a structured plan that ties these activities into real results — and shows you exactly what to do day by day…
Ready to Go Beyond Quick Fixes?
These 10 strategies are powerful — and they work. But if you want to go deeper and truly transform your dog’s behavior, you’ll need more than tips. You need a plan.
Most training fails because it doesn’t address the real issue: your dog’s mind isn’t engaged.
The truth is, dogs learn best when their brains are activated — not when they’re scolded, bribed, or yelled at. That’s why this step-by-step system works so well:
✅ It uses short, science-backed games to create lasting obedience
✅ It builds a stronger bond through positive interaction
✅ It’s perfect for puppies, rescues, and even stubborn older dogs
✅ It targets barking, jumping, leash pulling, anxiety, and more
If you’ve tried everything else and nothing’s worked, this might be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.