We all want a dog that understands what calm liberty means. Freedom to move around and do what they want within reason while having a calm attitude and behavior. This is natural to some dogs; others need to be taught what this is and when it is necessary.
On the Foundations page, Windows theory taught us that Chill is one of the four states a dog can be in at any given time. It is characterized by calm liberty: not Play (drive activities are off the table), not Work (the dog is not under specific command) and it is not Free Dog (since activities like zoomies, barking, eliminating, digging etc. are also not available right now).
The first step is having a word for this window and using it. When you end a play session, when you go inside, when you end a work session – wherever the dog is expected to have “inside manners”. Use this cue around the house, to mark when calm behavior is expected, especially at transitions from more active behaviors. A common cue is the word “enough”, said calmly and without emotion. Occasional calm praise and affection can mark when the dog is especially good.
Place
“Place” is a specific command (Work) that can help a dog get its head around the concept of “Chill”. The dog is put in “Place” until released. It is very important that you always use the release for this command, otherwise the command has no meaning.
Here is a video of the basics. I really like this trainer, Michael d’Abruzzo’s system, and recommend all his other content. One note: avoid the jazzy release she does at the end. Release from Place should be calm. The dog should feel almost disappointed he doesn’t get to be there anymore. The steps are:
- Luring on to the mat and into a down, and then off the mat.
- Adding the commands (Place and Off) and fading the lure.
- As soon as possible, stop giving a treat for Off and only use it for Place. You’ll see the dog start volunteering Place. This is good! By the end of this phase, the dog should go on the mat and lie down for the Place command, and get up and off the mat for the Off command.
- Proofing: move to an intermittent reward schedule (1 in 3 times, 1 in 5 times). start gradually adding duration, 10 seconds at a time. If your dog moves off place before release, simply put him back in place, but no treat. Aim for 1 break (no treat, with instruction) then 2 or 3 successes (rewardable). Don’t forget to release the dog from place! If he falls asleep and you need to go do something else, wake him up to release him.
- When you have enough practice and basic duration, start practicing separation, and proof with various distractions. Don’t overwhelm him – you want to keep the 75-80% success rate.
After the dog understands Place and Off and can do 2-3 minutes duration, you can start using your “chill” command as a release. At first, gesture him off of place with your “Chill” cue (“Enough”) so he understands he’s at liberty. He can absolutely return to Place on his own while in “Chill” mode. You can build longer duration, but always, always remember to release the dog so he doesn’t break place on his own.
Sit on the Dog
This is a very specific activity in the Chill window that can help a dog get its head around the concept. It is another behavior of immobility, but does not involve a command. Once it is learned, Sit on the Dog (SOTD) can and should be taken on the road in different environments and distraction levels.
How to Sit on the Dog: Margot Woods’ original instructions
Chill – Taking It on the Road
Once the dog has practice with Place and with Sit on the Dog, you can start generalizing the Chill window on the road – build gradually from the backyard to various environments, gradually increasing distraction. You can progress from a crate or tether to a long line or actual liberty depending on the situation and what can be done safely. As with any dog activity, have a plan for things going right, but also how to prevent or deal with things going wrong.
Occasional calm affection when things are going right. The consequence for not “chilling”, is to be interrupted, told that this behavior is not correct, and shown what to do instead. Or to just be removed from the situation (such as into the crate). A lot here depends on the dog and the situation.