Teach Self-Soothing
Puppy Self-Soothing & Settling Training Plan
Goal: Help your puppy learn to relax, settle, and self-soothe when alone or during quiet time, building confidence and independence.
Step 1: Create a Safe, Positive Space. Set up a crate or puppy playpen in a quiet area with a soft bed, chew toy, and comfort item with your scent. A heartbeat toy is a great comfort.
Step 2: Introduce the Settle Space. Positively feed treats or meals inside the space, giving special toys/chews only there. Leave the door open at first.
Step 3: Short Periods of Alone Time Place the puppy in a quiet space with a chew, step out of sight for 30 seconds to 1 minute, return only if quiet, and gradually increase the time. I frequently begin with the puppy in a crate where they can see me while I cook dinner. The kitchen island blocks their view for very brief periods.
Step 4: Reward Calm Behavior ('Settle' Cue) When the puppy relaxes naturally, softly say 'Good settle' and reward calmly.
Step 5: Controlled Independence in the Home. Encourage exploration, avoid following the puppy everywhere, and praise calm returns. I do not progress to roaming until we’re far along with housebreaking.
Step 6: Prevent Overstimulation. Ensure naps (16-18 hours daily), provide calm play and training before quiet time.
Step 7: Use Calming Tools: Snuffle mats, frozen Kongs, white noise, and familiar scent blankets.
Step 8: Gradually Increase Alone Time. Extend separations as the puppy succeeds, vary the routine, and return calmly.
Step 9: Troubleshooting Whining or Crying Wait for calm to return, shorten next session if distressed, never punish crying.
Step 10: Be Patient and Consistent. Self-soothing takes time, so celebrate small wins and stay consistent.
Puppy Self-Soothing & Settling Training Plan
Quick Daily Practice Schedule *
Morning: 5 min settle with chew
Mid-Morning: Short alone time (1-2 min)
After Lunch: Nap/quiet time
Afternoon: 'Settle' cue practice
Evening: Relaxation with a chew
Bedtime: Settle in the crate
* I find the sample schedule to be a little ridiculous. A 1-2 min “alone time” excuse me, I need a little more time than that. I begin with 15-20 minutes, more if I’m working at my desk beside their crate and they’re relaxed. I continue the routine of twice a day crate relaxation until they’re one year old.
When to Seek Extra Help
Consult a professional if excessive distress, destructive behavior, and/or fear of the crate isn’t resolving.