Hey there, Barkers!🐾

Some dogs are born spicy. Some are born sleepy. But every dog can learn calm.

Calm isn’t the absence of energy, it’s the presence of self-control. And just like sit, stay, or “drop that sock right now,” calm is a skill that gets stronger with practice. The problem? Calm is quiet… and quiet behaviors are easy to miss. Today, we’re flipping the script and rewarding the most underrated behavior of all: doing absolutely nothing.

Q: What does a dog do to relax?

A: Nothing. With confidence.

What to do:

- Keep treats handy (tiny ones, calm calories only).

- The moment your dog settles on their own, calmly place a treat between their paws. No excitement. No party voice.

- You’re reinforcing the choice to relax, not interrupting it.

This concept is supported by behavior research showing that reinforcing default calm behaviors increases emotional regulation over time

📌Bark Tip: I call this “catching the exhale.” If you hear a deep dog sigh, pay it like a bonus at work

Overstimulation often masquerades as hyperactivity. According to veterinary behaviorists, excessive zooming, inability to settle, constant pacing, and frantic attention-seeking can be signs of a nervous system that’s overloaded, not under-exercised (AVSAB, 2021).

Key takeaway:

More exercise isn’t always the answer. Sometimes the nervous system needs rest training, not more reps.

If your dog struggles to relax even after physical activity, talk to your vet about enrichment balance, sleep quality, and stress thresholds.

🧠Lick Mats & Snuffle Mats

Licking and sniffing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the body’s built-in calm switch. Studies show these activities reduce heart rate and stress behaviors in dogs (Horowitz, 2017).

How to use it right:

- Use after activity, not before.

- Pair with quiet time, dim lights, and low stimulation.

- Think “doggy meditation,” not “busy toy.”

Thundershirt® Calming Wrap: gentle pressure therapy that feels like a hug.

Adaptil® Diffuser: releases dog-appeasing pheromones to help ease tension.

LickiMat® Soother: perfect for redirecting nervous energy into focused licking (aka: canine zen).

📌Bark Tip: Pair any of these with your calm energy because your pup looks to you for reassurance.

Dogs sleep 12–14 hours a day on average. Puppies and seniors need even more. A dog that can’t settle often isn’t lazy, they’re overtired. Yep. Just like toddlers. With teeth.

Do you have a product or service that a dog lover would adore? Our readers are passionate pet parents who value trusted recommendations.

Hey, Barkers!

Are you working on calm with your dog?

Did you catch a tiny moment of chill that felt like a miracle?

Share your stories, photos, or training wins with us for a chance to be featured in next week’s issue! [email protected]. 📸🐶

Until next time, reward the quiet, celebrate the stillness, and remember:

Calm is a skill and skills get better with practice. 🐾💙🧡

A Worthy Bark.

Where every bark has meaning and every reader's part of the pack.