Why a Settle Mat Is One of the Best Things You Can Give Your Dog
If you’ve ever found yourself saying “just lie down for a minute” to an over-excited dog, a settle mat might be exactly what you’re missing. Simple, portable and surprisingly powerful, a settle mat can make a huge difference to your dog’s behaviour, confidence and overall wellbeing.
What is a settle mat?
A settle mat is a designated soft mat or blanket that your dog learns to associate with calm behaviour. It becomes their place to relax — whether you’re at home, in a café, visiting friends or heading to training classes. See all our settle mats here.
Once introduced properly, the mat acts as a clear signal: this is where I switch off.
The benefits of using a settle mat
1. Encourages calm behaviour
Dogs don’t naturally understand when we want them to relax — especially in busy or stimulating environments. A settle mat gives them a clear job: lie down and chill out. Over time, just seeing the mat can help your dog lower their arousal levels.
This is especially helpful for:
-
Excitable puppies
-
Dogs who struggle to settle in the evenings
-
Busy households or open-plan homes
2. Helps dogs feel safe and secure
Dogs love predictability. Having a familiar mat that smells like home can be incredibly comforting, particularly in new or noisy places. The mat becomes a little piece of consistency in an unpredictable world.
This can be brilliant for:
-
Nervous or anxious dogs
-
Rescue dogs adjusting to new environments
-
Vet visits, grooming appointments or training classes
3. Makes outings easier
If you want to take your dog to dog-friendly cafés, pubs or friends’ houses, a settle mat is a game changer. Instead of pacing, begging or getting under people’s feet, your dog has a clear place to lie down and relax.
It’s a polite, practical way to help your dog succeed in public spaces.
4. Supports training and focus
Settle mats are often used in reward-based training because they help dogs learn impulse control. Teaching your dog to relax on a mat builds skills like patience, focus and self-regulation — all of which carry over into everyday life.
It’s not just about being still; it’s about learning how to switch off.
5. Great for puppies and growing dogs
Puppies get overtired easily, which often looks like zoomies, nipping or general chaos. A settle mat can help encourage proper rest during the day, which is just as important as walks and playtime.
Learning how to relax is a life skill — and it’s never too early to start.
How to use a settle mat successfully
-
Introduce it gradually in a calm environment
-
Reward your dog for choosing to lie on the mat
-
Keep sessions short and positive
-
Use the mat consistently in different locations
The goal is for your dog to choose the mat as a place of comfort, not feel forced onto it.
A small thing that makes a big difference
A settle mat might look simple, but it can transform everyday life with your dog. By giving them a clear place to relax, you’re helping them feel calmer, more confident and better equipped to cope with the world around them.
Calm dogs aren’t born — they’re taught. And a settle mat is a lovely place to start.