Chill Pill for Canines: Adding Relaxation to Your Dog's Decompression Walk
- Sara Scott
- 12 hours ago
- 9 min read
A few weeks ago, I wrote about decompression walks—you know, those magical outings where your dog gets to be an actual dog instead of a well-behaved robot walking perfectly by your side. If you missed that post (how dare you?), these walks are all about letting your pup explore, sniff, and engage with the world at their own pace, helping to reset their nervous system after dealing with the stress of being a dog in a human world.
And now for the plot twist! Like discovering there's a post-credits scene in the movie you almost walked out on, I'm here to reveal the perfect sequel to decompression walks: relaxation protocols. And unlike that juicer you swore would transform your health (but now just judges you silently from the cabinet), this is a habit that actually sticks.
Relaxation is a skill that everyone can improve on, including you (yes, I see you checking your phone every 30 seconds) and especially your dog. When we incorporate relaxation exercises into our outdoor adventures, we're teaching our dogs how to chill out in the real world—a skill that's about as rare in most dogs as a cat that comes when called.
There are approximately 17 million different relaxation protocols floating around in dog training circles. I'll spare you the academic dissertation and share my personal favorite—the one I've tweaked and battle-tested over my 25+ years of working with dogs who'd rather bounce off walls than take a breather. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach here. What matters is finding what works for your particular furry stress case.
The Survival Kit: What to Pack for Operation Relaxation
Let's talk gear. You'll need some essentials in your backpack besides the emergency poop bags and that half-eaten granola bar you forgot about from last month:
A Mat or Towel: Your Dog's Portable Zen Zone - Grab a small training mat that folds up easily. This isn't just any piece of fabric—it's a visual cue that screams "RELAX TIME" to your dog once they learn the association. Think of it as your dog's personal meditation cushion, but with more drool potential. This mat can follow you everywhere: vet visits, your in-laws' house (where both you AND the dog need to relax), or that outdoor café where you're desperately trying to enjoy a latte in peace.
High-Value Treats: Canine Currency for the Sophisticated Palate- You'll need the good stuff here—not those dry biscuits your dog tolerates but secretly hates. Think tiny pieces of chicken, cheese, or those fancy treats that cost more per ounce than filet mignon. These aren't just rewards; they're your diplomatic currency in negotiations with your pup.
A Lickable Item or Chew: Mother Nature's Chill Pill - Science shows that licking and chewing release feel-good chemicals in your dog's brain. It's like their personal meditation retreat, but with more slobber and less chanting. Bring a squeeze tube of peanut butter, a bully stick, or whatever gets your dog into that glazed-over, blissed-out state that makes other dog owners jealous.
Location, Location, Location: Finding Your Dog's Happy Place
Timing matters almost as much as your coffee does on Monday morning. I recommend doing relaxation exercises during the second half of your walk, after your dog has burned through some of that "OMG WE'RE OUTSIDE" energy. By this point, most dogs have sniffed approximately 742 blades of grass and are naturally starting to downshift.
When picking your relaxation spot, channel your inner real estate agent and look for safety, security, and a view that doesn't include seventeen potential distractions. Find somewhere semi-secluded where your dog won't be ambushed by joggers, squirrels with a death wish, or that one neighbor who insists on asking about your dog's breed mix while standing uncomfortably close.
Consider your dog's personal preferences and quirks:
Reactivity Issues: If your dog thinks other dogs, people, or skateboarding teenagers are harbingers of the apocalypse, choose your location accordingly. That hidden corner of the park suddenly becomes prime real estate.
Weather Woes: On scorching days, find shade unless your dog enjoys impersonating bacon on a skillet. In cold weather, consider if your dog needs a jacket or if the ground is too frosty for their delicate tush.
Noise Sensitivities: If your dog is triggered by sounds, avoid areas near playgrounds full of screaming children, construction sites with their symphony of beeping machinery, or busy streets where every passing truck sounds like the end times. Some dogs need the canine equivalent of a sensory deprivation chamber.
Surface Preferences: Some dogs are pickier about their sitting surfaces than a princess with a pea. Check for wet spots, rocks, or prickly plants that might make your dog give you that "you've got to be kidding me" look.
Sight lines: Position yourselves where you can see approaching distractions before they're close enough to trigger your dog's "MUST INVESTIGATE IMMEDIATELY" instinct.
Remember, you're setting your dog up for success here. It's hard to achieve zen master status when you're constantly on high alert, so choose wisely. Your dog will thank you by actually relaxing instead of doing their best impression of a security guard on edge.
Let's Get This Party Started: Initiating Relaxation Mode
Now for the main event. Stop your walk (mid-stride for dramatic effect if you're feeling theatrical), and whip out your backpack of wonders. Unfurl that relaxation mat like you're laying out a red carpet for royalty and scatter some treats across it. This is your dog's invitation to the chill zone—no RSVP needed.
Let your dog approach the mat and discover the treat treasure at their own pace. There's no rushing relaxation (as anyone who's ever been told to "just calm down" can attest). Once they've hoovered up the initial offering, introduce the pièce de résistance: the lickable treat or chew. Place it on the mat like you're presenting the crown jewels.
Find yourself a comfortable spot nearby—not hovering like a helicopter parent, but close enough to toss treats with reasonable accuracy. Your own relaxed energy is contagious, so maybe this is a good time to practice those deep breathing exercises your therapist recommended.
Give your dog some space to enjoy their licking or chewing project without micromanagement. Most dogs will naturally settle into a comfortable position as they work on their tasty distraction. You're not asking for anything specific yet—just letting the natural calming effects of licking and chewing work their magic, like an edible meditation practice.
If you're short on time or your dog seems perfectly content in their food-induced trance, you can call it a win right here. Pack up after they finish their treat, put the mat away, and continue your walk with a slightly more zen companion. Even this simplified version is building valuable neural pathways that associate the mat with chilling out.
Level Up: Rewarding the Art of Doing Nothing
If you want to take this chill session to expert level, you can focus on the subtle art of noticing and reinforcing specific relaxation behaviors. This doesn't replace the natural relaxation from licking and chewing, it amplifies it. It's like adding a soundtrack to a great movie—the film was already good, but now it's an experience.
Start watching for subtle signs that your dog is actually relaxing, not just pausing between moments of chaos. These might include lying down for more than three nanoseconds, shifting weight to one hip in that "I might stay awhile" position, or the holy grail—extending legs to the side like they're melting into the ground.
The real pros will show even more subtle signs: head lowering to the ground, chin resting on paws, slow blinks that say "I'm too chill to keep my eyes open," mouth closing instead of panting like they just ran a marathon, tail staying still rather than sweeping the entire forest floor, or the coveted relaxation sigh that says "I guess this isn't so bad after all."
When you spot these behaviors, mark them with a quiet "good"—not the excited "GOOD BOY!" that makes your dog pop up like a toaster pastry. Deliver a treat with ninja-like stealth, placing it between their paws or near their mouth so they barely have to move. The goal is rewarding without accidentally launching them back into excitement mode. It's like trying to keep a toddler calm while still acknowledging their good behavior—a delicate art form.
Start with obvious behaviors like just staying on the mat or maintaining a down position, then gradually shape toward those subtle relaxation signals. Your dog will start to realize that the calmer they get, the more treats magically appear without them having to do the usual song and dance routine.
When Life Happens: The Emergency Broadcast System
Even in your perfectly selected location, life finds a way to test your dog's newfound zen. When your dog suddenly notices something concerning—like someone appearing with a suspicious shopping bag or a leaf moving in an obviously threatening manner—it's time to deploy your secret weapon: the "find it" scatter.
Say "find it" in your best "nothing to see here" voice and quickly scatter treats in front of your dog, ideally between their front paws. This accomplishes two things: it gets their nose working (nature's anxiety medication) and creates a positive association with whatever spooked them.
The beauty of this technique is that it works like hitting the reset button on your dog's stress response without requiring them to abandon their relaxation position. It's the equivalent of distracting someone from an awkward conversation by offering them cake—suddenly their focus shifts and the tension dissolves.
For dogs with known triggers, you can be proactive and deploy treats when you spot your dog noticing the trigger in the distance. This builds a foundation where potentially scary things predict good stuff, rather than signaling impending doom.
Wrapping It Up: The Grand Finale
When it's time to end your relaxation session, you need a clear signal that the exercise is over. If your dog is comfortably sprawled on the mat looking like they might be there until next Tuesday, ask them to get up by calling them to you, tossing a treat away from the mat, or requesting a hand target if they know that trick.
Here's the crucial part that many people miss: pick up that mat and put it away. Don't leave it out like yesterday's newspaper. The mat should be a special object that only appears when it's time for specific relaxation practice, not a permanent fixture that loses its meaning. It's like putting away the gaming controller so you actually get some work done—the physical removal signals a transition.
If your dog decides they're done before you are—maybe they get up after a minute of lying down or start giving you the "are we done yet?" eyes—respect their decision. Dogs have different tolerance levels for forced inactivity, just like humans have different capacities for sitting through meetings that could have been emails. You can always try again another day.
For the dogs who struggle to find their inner Buddha while out in the world, start with home practice where distractions are limited. Your living room is the perfect training ground before taking this show on the road. Once they understand the relaxation game in a familiar setting, gradually work your way to more challenging environments.
Bringing It All Together: Zen and the Art of Dog Maintenance
By adding relaxation protocols to your decompression walks, you're essentially creating the canine equivalent of a spa day—physical exercise followed by mindful relaxation. It's like going for a run and then treating yourself to a massage, except your dog doesn't have to tip their masseuse.
The real magic happens when this skill transfers to other situations. That mat becomes a portable calm zone you can bring anywhere—vet offices where anxiety normally runs higher than gas prices, friend's houses where your dog usually performs their "excited jumping bean" routine, or during fireworks when they typically try to hide in places you didn't even know existed in your home.
Like any worthwhile skill, relaxation takes practice. Some days your dog will channel their inner yoga instructor, while other days they'll act like they've never seen a mat before and have absolutely no idea what "settle" means. That's completely normal—even meditation masters have off days.
Whether you go all-in with the full protocol or simply offer a licking activity during walks, you're helping your dog develop one of life's most valuable skills: finding calm in a chaotic world. And honestly, couldn't we all use a little more of that?
So grab your mat, pack some treats, and prepare to be the envy of other dog owners as your formerly frantic friend demonstrates the fine art of chilling out. Just try not to look too smug about it—nobody likes a show-off, even if your dog has mastered relaxation while theirs is still attempting to catch their own tail.
Ready to Take Your Dog's Training to the Next Level?
The Dog Lab: Personalized Coaching for the Modern Dog
Is your dog struggling with reactivity, anxiety, or just generally acting like they've had seventeen espressos when you'd prefer they channel their inner sloth? I've spent 25+ years helping dogs and their humans find balance and build better relationships. My coaching program, The Dog Lab, offers customized training plans that address your specific challenges—whether that's a dog who thinks the mailman is plotting world domination or one who can't settle down even after a 5-mile hike.
Sign up for a consultation → and let's transform those challenging behaviors into moments of canine clarity.
Game of Bones: Coming Soon!
Exciting news! My new self-paced online course, Game of Bones, is launching soon! This isn't your ordinary training program—it's a collection of fun, engaging games where you and your dog level up together. Perfect for building confidence in anxious and reactive dogs through play-based mini games. Get on the waitlist and be the first to know when enrollment opens!
Join the waitlist → and prepare for training that feels more like play than work (for both of you).
Comentarios