Rest training on the go: blanket training 2 Go for dogs [Part 5]

Quiet: Measures & Management

Practising calmness means dealing specifically with calmness and relaxation. Relaxation and calmness cannot be trained like a "sit" and then recalled at will. Implementing calmness in everyday dog life means focusing the day specifically on calmness and thus primarily pursuing measures and calmness management.

An adult and healthy dog needs about 16-20 hours to doze and sleep. Puppies or old dogs need more than 16-20 hours of rest. Some dogs find their rest on their own. Other dogs need the help of humans. This may be due to the fact that the dog has not learned it from the beginning, or because its personality and character favours it. Diseases and dysfunctions can also be the cause of a restless dog. You can read more about this in the blog Why rest is so healthy .

Dog as a social being

Dogs are very social creatures and like to live in a group or their biological pack. As soon as the dog is separated from its family and moves in with us, we as humans are usually the most important social partner for our dog.

We differentiate between blanket training "2 go" and blanket training that is set up in the dog crate or on the Dog Bed. The reason for this is that this type of blanket training should mainly work on the go, with an easily portable blanket or towel. You mainly need blanket training "2 go" in situations where your dog accompanies you in everyday life, such as in a restaurant. On these occasions, depending on the size of the dog, you may not have the option of taking a large Dog Bed with you. Dog bags are ideal for smaller dog breeds. These are small, cosy and easy to take with you. For larger dogs, you can use blankets or towels. We do not use treats so that there is no expectation and you can fall back on them at any time.

Deckentraining "2 go"

Equipment: small blanket or towel, Harness or Collar and Leash, food toy or snacks if necessary

Ort: First at home, then everywhere

Duration: depending on how relaxed your dog is

Start the exercise while your dog is in a balanced mood.
Lead your leashed dog onto the blanket using body language and verbal commands, but not a signal.
Stay put for now.

Try not to look at or communicate with your dog.
Physically restrain your dog if he tries to leave the blanket.
Do not use a signal for the ceiling at first.
If your dog starts to whine, the situation and posture were not relaxed enough. Next time, try to keep the duration so that you leave the blanket with your dog before the whining starts.
For some dogs, a chew helps, but you need to be aware that you will either have to use the chew all the time in the future, or slowly remove it during training.

As soon as your dog relaxes (e.g. sits down or lies down calmly), you offer space again. Make sure that your dog does not jump straight off the blanket.
Always finish the exercise before the dog has a chance to make mistakes.
The ceiling may only be left after a clear release.
Repeat this process several times in moments when your dog is looking for/needs rest - i.e. is already tired.
As soon as your dog recognises the blanket as a resting place, you can add a signal.
Lead your dog to the blanket and give your signal.
The aim is for the dog to lie down on its own and sleep/doze.
Now practise the ceiling in different rooms with and without your absence, while:

you are sitting at the table and the blanket is placed by the table,
lay out the blanket and take a few steps away from your dog,
you are in the kitchen and the ceiling is nearby,
etc.

If your dog associates the blanket with rest, the blanket can now be used as a rest blanket "to go".

The blanket can then also be taken to restaurants or visitors, because the dog has already learnt to be quiet

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Language

Quiet: Measures & Management

Dog as a social being

Deckentraining "2 go"