Teaching Real Relaxation Skills for a Calmer, Happier Dog
Based on Dr. Karen Overall's groundbreaking protocol, modernized with Pet Harmony's positive, science-based approach. Help your dog develop genuine coping skills for real-world situations.
The Relaxation Protocol is not about making your dog stay still in one spot. It's about teaching your dog genuine relaxation and coping techniques they can use in real-life situations. We're building emotional resilience, not just physical compliance. Your dog learns to choose calm because it feels good, not because they're told to.
Through gradual, positive exposure to various stimuli while in a relaxed state, your dog's brain learns to associate these experiences with calm feelings rather than stress.
Your dog develops the ability to stay calm despite distractions, movements, and sounds - skills that transfer to everyday life situations like vet visits, guests arriving, or walks.
For dogs with reactivity, anxiety, or fear issues, this protocol creates a solid foundation of calm that makes other training more effective and lasting.
The quiet, positive time together builds trust and communication between you and your dog. They learn you're a source of safety and good things.
Dogs who struggle with general anxiety or specific fears
Dogs who overreact to triggers like other dogs, people, or sounds
Dogs who need help learning to settle and self-regulate
Building good habits and emotional regulation from the start
Helping adopted dogs decompress and feel safe
Every dog benefits from learning relaxation skills
A designated relaxation spot your dog already likes
Small, soft treats your dog loves (100+ per session)
To track duration tasks accurately
Low-distraction area to start training
Track progress and note what works best
Easy access to rewards during sessions
Something for you during longer duration tasks
Doorbell sounds, umbrellas, hats for advanced tasks
We reward relaxation signals (soft eyes, loose body, sighing) not just staying in place. Your dog can shift position as long as they stay relaxed.
If your dog is struggling, you're moving too fast. It's okay to repeat days, break tasks into smaller pieces, or take breaks. There's no timeline.
Always finish sessions while your dog is still relaxed and successful. Short, positive sessions beat long, frustrating ones every time.
Especially early on, reward frequently! You might go through 100+ treats per session. This keeps the experience positive and builds strong associations.
Lip licking, yawning, turning away, whale eye, or getting up means dial it back. We want genuine relaxation, not a dog who's just tolerating.