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

Calm: Measures & Management

Practicing calm means specifically dealing with rest and relaxation. Relaxation and calm cannot be trained like a “sit” and then recalled at will. Implementing rest in your dog's everyday life means focusing your day specifically on rest and therefore primarily Measures and rest management to pursue.

An adult and healthy dog needs around 16-20 hours to doze and sleep. Puppies or old dogs need more than 16-20 hours of rest. Some dogs find peace on their own. Other dogs need human help. This may be because the dog didn't learn it from the start, or because his personality and character favor it. Illnesses and dysfunctions can also be the cause of a restless dog. You can find out more about this in the blog Why rest is so healthy read.

Dog as a social creature

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 blanket training “2 go” from blanket training that is set up in the dog box or on the dog bed. The reasoning is that this type of blanket training is intended to work primarily on the move, with an easily portable blanket or towel. You primarily 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 be able to take a large dog bed with you. Dog bags are ideal for smaller dog breeds. These are small, cozy and easy to take with you. For larger dogs you can use blankets or towels. We avoid treats so that there are no expectations and you can fall back on them at any time.

Ceiling training "2 go"

Equipment: small blanket or towel, harness or collar and leash, if necessary. Food toys or Snack items

Location: first at home, then everywhere

Duration: depending on your dog's relaxation

Begin the exercise while your dog is in a balanced mood.
Lead your leashed dog onto the blanket. You can use your body language and verbal guidance to do this, but not a signal.
Stand still for now.

Try not to look at your dog or communicate with him.
Physically restrain your dog when he tries to leave the blanket.
First of all, don't use a signal for the ceiling.
If your dog starts whining, the situation and attitude were not relaxed enough. Next time, try to keep the duration so that you and your dog leave the blanket before the peeping.
Some dogs find a chew helps. In this context, you must be aware that in the future you will either have to always use the chewing item or slowly reduce it during training.

As soon as your dog relaxes (e.g. sits down or lies down quietly), you offer freedom again. Make sure your dog doesn't lunge straight from the ceiling.
Always end the exercise before the dog has a chance to make mistakes.
The ceiling may only be left after clear approval.
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 understands the blanket as a resting place, you can incorporate a signal.
Guide your dog to the ceiling and give your signal.
The goal is for the dog to lie down and sleep/doze on its own.
Now practice the ceiling in different rooms with and without your absence while:

you sit at the table and the blanket is placed at the table,
you 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 resting blanket “to go”.

The blanket can then be taken to the restaurant or on a visit because the dog has already learned to calm down

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Calm: Measures & Management

Dog as a social creature

Ceiling training "2 go"