‘Settle’ command is used to make your puppy calm down during the play session. You should first teach your puppy ‘settle’ when he’s playing with you and not with other animals. To teach ‘settle’, get the puppy to lie on his side using treat prior to play. Don’t use any command. Praise and reward the dog when he relaxes. Once you give the treat, say ‘let’s play’. Hyperactive dogs may not settle down easily during play, so find ways to make them relax. If you’re trying to settle your puppy when he’s playing with another puppy, make sure that there is another trainer or owner to control the other puppy. When the puppies are playing, don’t discard the play until the play becomes too rough or fight between them. Once the puppies get excited with the play, break the behaviour by clapping your hands loudly and separate them. Be close to your puppy to get him down into ‘settle’ position.
