Pets often take on the level of excitement of the household and, of course, they have an energy all of their own. Both types of energy can lead to behavior problems if not brought under control. As a general rule, the more quiet petting that a pet experiences, the better. The following describes in detail an exercise (Soft) for teaching your pet to relax. It is to be practiced first at times when there are no distractions so that it can be used later when things get exciting. Since exercise is important to every pet, try a brief jog, walk or game of fetch with a ball. Any of these activities are structured enough to restrict the excitement - - especially if the activity occurs at the same time each day and you follow each period of excitement with the 'Soft' exercise.
A pet's level of excitement plays an important role in aggravating many objectionable behaviors and reactions to stress. For example, when you finish playing with your dog you go on to do other things. Your dog, however, is still excited - - a package of energy with nowhere to go, nothing to do. The same is true for those times when you leave the house. The excitement of getting ready to leave also excites your pet and may even make your pet anxious. When you are gone, the abrupt change to silence is often too much for the dog. In both cases, the left over energy may lead to undesirable behaviors. In each situation, helping your pet to relax is one of the most beneficial exercises you can do. The 'Soft' exercise is designed to provide a very structured pattern for calming your dog. It requires practice, but teaching your pet to be mellow will serve you both well in adjusting to many situations for many years.
'Soft' is performed with your pet lying comfortably on it's side with its back against your knees. There are many ways to get to this position; previous training, the dog's size and controllability are factors. When possible, use the 'down' command or treats to ease the dog onto the floor. For others, start your pet in the 'sit' position. Over time, as your dog relaxes, it will lie down.
Begin a deep massage of the pet's shoulder, back and neck muscles. The goal is to continue is to continue the massage until the dog has reached total relaxation (the decrease in tension and rigidity will be obvious) and you should continue for at least one or two minutes beyond this point. With practice, the dog will feel more secure and appreciate the pleasure. Complete relaxation will come quickly.
Throughout the massage you should speak to your dog in a calm and soothing voice. Repeat frequently a cue word such as 'Soft' over and over in a very monotone voice (some horse people use 'easy'). With repetition, the dog will recognize the cue and with training, you will have a way of telling the dog to 'take it easy and relax' during a period of excitement.
When you are about to end the 'Soft' exercise, do so quietly and without disturbing the mellow state of your dog. Simply, gently stop the massage and withdraw your hands. Do not move until the dog has gotten up on his own; then get up quietly and softly go on with your normal activities.
During the early states of training, it's a good idea to practice in a quiet area of the house at a time when the dog is not too excited. Help the dog learn what is going on: begin each practice session with the question, "Do you want to do 'Soft'? or the statement, "Let's do 'Soft'. Once he can be eased comfortably into position, begin the massage.
While many benefits come only after such practice, some of the most important advantages are immediate. The 'Soft' exercise should be used after any period of excitement, such as following a walk or play period, during a high level of activity in the household such as around children or guests, and before leaving the dog alone in the house -- just about anytime you want your dog to settle down.
We believe this exercise serves an extremely valuable role in promoting your dog's development and adjustment. However, since each dog is very different, the training will sometimes have to be tailored to meet those differences.
The late David S. Tuber, Ph.D. to whom we are forever grateful for his education and contributions, developed this exercise.
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