Mat / Settle
Going to the mat will automatically happen when it is calm outside Settling on their mat will automatically happen when the dog is calm on the inside.
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Mat training is when the dog, on cue, goes to a Mat or an object that it can lie upon and associates that object with a calm, safe space where nothing will hurt it, and nothing terrible will happen.
Settling on a mat is when the dog is happy to stay on that Mat without moving until released.
Why train a dog to settle on their mat?
- You can take your dog to public places like cafes and restaurants, and they know ‘how’ and ‘where’ to settle.
- They know it’s their safe place and feel secure in unknown environments
- It can help with dogs who tend to jump up on visitors
- It can be a great way to help anxious or reactive dogs learn to cope.
- It teaches hyperactive dogs impulse control.
Step 1: How the mat feels. (Building the association, and adding the scent)
- Identify the spots around the house where your dog lays down and rests.
- Please choose an appropriate mat and put it where your puppy sleeps.
- When your dog gets up, pick up the mat and put it down where they will rest next.
- If your dog has multiple sleeping areas, move the mat with them to the new place they choose to rest.
- MAT = Rest.
- Step 2: What the mat means (Introducing the command "ON YOUR MAT" or similar.)
- Place the mat on the floor in between you and your dog.
- When your dog moves closer to you and steps onto the mat, mark and reward.
- Now, throw a treat away so your dog can move away from the mat to get it.
- Wait for your dog to step back onto the mat again. Then mark reward. And repeat from step 2.
- When your dog builds the association that stepping on the mat gets them the reward, add the "on your mat" cue a few seconds before they step on it.
- When your dog's off the mat, pick it up, stand, and do nothing. If your dog returns to the exact spot where the mat was, do nothing. (it's the mat that makes things fun)
- Now, move the mat to a location no longer near you. Wait for your dog to step on to it, and then mark and reward, this time walking the treat to the mat. Then, use your break command to move your dog with you off the mat.
- Once the dog is off the mat again, do nothing. Make it as dull as possible. When the dog goes back to the mat, the party starts again. (if the dog doesn't get the concept, go back to step 1 and repeat a few more times)
- When you are ready to stop training, pick up the mat and pop it away
- Practice each day at a time that your puppy is quite relaxed and finish your sessions with a chew or something that promotes duration on the mat (if the dog leaves the mat, the chew goes away and comes back only as long as they eat it on the mat. a crate is an easy way to enforce this behaviour if you are unable to supervise)
Step 3: Putting meaning and feeling together (The mat feeling is in the object not the place)
- Put the mat down in your backyard, then do step 2.
- When your dog gets used to this, take the mat to your front yard and repeat.
- Now, move a few doors down and repeat.
- Don't put the mat down immediately if your dog is overexcited outside. First, allow them to sniff their new environment, and only put the mat down when they are done exploring and orientating back to you.
- Start taking your mat on your walks with your dog. Find a nice, quiet place, let your dog sniff the area, put the mat down, and sit and chill, petting, praising and rewarding your dog. (if your dog is overexcited by petting or food, avoid these)
- Increase the duration on the mat slowly based on how your dog responds.
Step 4: Fine tuning
- Teach your dog a down, then cue a down when it is on the mat. Soon, only reward the dog if it is lying on the mat.
- To build duration, when your puppy lays on the mat, count to 2 and then place a treat between their paws, put another three treats 2 seconds apart then increase the duration by doing the same but 4 seconds apart, then 6 seconds apart, 8 seconds apart, then 10 seconds apart. Keep stretching the time 2 seconds at a time (Don’t worry if your puppy gets up; wait for them to lay down in their own time and then go back) to counting and popping a treat between their paws.
- A mat on a platform or raised surface can help the dog ensure that it puts its whole body on the mat and does not sit half on / half off.
- Use the go-to mat as a starting point for all calm games, pats and cuddles.
Here are some videos to show how some other great trainers around the world teach the behaviour.
Settle
- Start by capturing the calm, settled behaviour at home using your Calm marker to teach your dog to settle. If your dog gets up looking for more treats, show them your empty hands and go about doing your own thing around the house. When you see them settled again, repeat this process. This teaches your dog that relaxing is good and will help remove frustration when you phase out the rewards.
- Ask your dog to go to their Mat at bedtime. Provide them with a relaxing activity they can perform in one place while lying down, like a lick mat or chew toy like a Kong. Repeat your Calm marker after a set interval as a positive affirmation while they are relaxing to let them know the good things come from settling on the mat. (If your dog is overstimulated by food, use calm pats and cuddles instead)
- Repeat this process in a more distracting environment, such as your backyard, front yard, quiet dog park, or dog-friendly cafe. If your dog struggles, step back, repeat previous steps a bit longer and set the environment up to help it succeed.
- Make sure to end the mat session with a release cue. If the dog moves from the mat before being released, simply calmly ask them to go back and start over. (Note: sometimes, our pups may be unable to settle because they need to use the bathroom, or we are training this part of the behaviour at the wrong time. Make sure your puppy is comfortable and is prepared to rest before starting this step)
