Dr. Dunbar’s 28-Day Good Dog Challenge

Jazz-up & Settle Down

Day 24 · Install an on-off switch.

Watch Ian

Why Jazz-up & Settle Down?

Today, we install an on-off switch. Dogs have an almost limitless capacity for noise and activity. And honestly, it’s not so much the noise that jangles our nerves, it’s the unpredictability. So we put both on cue: “Jazz up” for letting off steam, and “Settle down” for calming down.

Here’s what your dog learns. Settling down doesn’t mean the fun is over. It just means the fun is paused, and it will soon start again. So your dog becomes happy to settle, quickly, whenever you ask, even in the middle of the most exciting game.

Step by step

1. Jazz your dog up! Try your very best to get them excited and silly: spinning, bouncing, jumping with all four feet off the floor. Woofs optional. Have fun with it!
2. Say “Settle down,” and start counting.
3. Count the seconds until your dog is lying down and quiet. Then praise calmly and softly.
4. Jazz them up again! Then “Settle down,” and count.
5. Keep repeating until your dog settles within three seconds.

Where it all started

Ian first played this game with his son, Jamie, when Jamie was little. Before visiting relatives, going into a restaurant, or boarding a plane, they’d find a quiet spot, and Ian would ask, “How much silly time do you need?” Then: “Jamie, be silly!” And Ian would join in. Once they’d let off steam, one of them would say, “Normal Jamie.”

Ian’s dog, Omaha, watched them play at home, utterly fascinated, and obviously wanted to join in. So the Jazz-up & Settle Down game for dogs was born.

Eighty dogs in England

Years later, Ian arrived to teach a workshop at a huge dog event near Windsor, England. Eighty dogs were already in the arena, all barking and jumping, with their owners hanging on to their leashes. The noise was deafening. Ian had no idea what to do… until Omaha spoke to him from the heavens: “Dad, tell them to Jazz up!”

So Ian told everyone: “When I say ‘Jazz up your dogs,’ get your dogs bouncing and barking. When I raise both arms and say ‘Settle your dogs,’ get them to settle and shush.” Everyone started waving their arms and hopping about like frogs doing John Cleese funny walks. And the dogs? Most just stared, looking shocked. One German Shepherd looked positively disdainful.

The first few Settle Downs took a good ten minutes. But after a dozen repetitions, 77 of the 80 dogs were settling within three seconds. And the whole audience was cheering on the owners of the last three bouncy, barky dogs.

Play it with friends: First Dog To

In Ian’s puppy classes, a favorite game is a race: whose dog will be first to Sit, first to lie Down, or first to Settle? Jazz all the dogs up together, then see who wins. Try it with friends and their dogs, or with everyone in the family.

First Dog To.

Use it every day

• Before visitors arrive, let your dog have a good Jazz-up in the yard, then a Settle Down before the doorbell.
• During play, stop every minute or so for a Settle Down, then “Let’s play!”
• On walks, stop now and then for a longer Settle Down, while you enjoy the view.

Special tips

My dog won’t jazz up.

Be sillier! Run around, clap, squeak a toy, play a quick game of chase. Some dogs are shy about it at first. Praise any bit of bounce.

My dog won’t settle down.

Stand still, be calm, and wait. Speak softly. As soon as your dog lies down and is quiet, praise gently. The first few times may take a while, but each one gets quicker. Keep the jazz-ups short at first.

Won’t this make my dog more hyper?

No. Your dog learns that excitement has an off switch, and that you control it. Dogs who play this game become calmer, not crazier.

Should I use my dog’s bed?

Yes, if it helps! “Go to your bed” and “Settle down” work beautifully together.

What’s next

• Tomorrow, Day 25, is a quiet day for reflection: your dog’s story. Then on Day 26, it’s Personal Best!
• Use it every day. A quick Jazz-up and Settle Down before visitors, walks, and car rides.

Filming tips and prizes: Videos and Prizes.