The underrated skill: a dog who can rest

It’s 10am.

No walk yet. No training.

Just… two dogs, fast asleep beside me while I work.

Ciska is sprawled out without a care in the world.

Beau is curled up in his crate, completely settled.

If I stood up right now, they’d be on their feet in seconds! Ready to run, train, play... whatever’s on offer.

But while nothing’s happening? They’re completely content to rest.

And I think this is something we don’t acknowledge enough.

Because somewhere along the way - and I think social media has played a big role in this - we’ve started to believe that a “good” or “fulfilled” dog is one who’s always doing something. Walking, training, playing, engaging.

And I’ll be the first to admit, I’m just as guilty of sharing those highlight moments too.

But what we don’t often see are the hours in between… when nothing is happening. And that’s exactly how it should be.

Because in reality, one of the most important (and often overlooked) signs of a well-balanced dog is this:

They can switch off when there’s nothing going on.

Completely at rest… but ready to go the moment something happens.

🐾 Dogs aren’t designed to be “on” all day

We often hear: “A tired dog is a good dog.”

And while exercise and enrichment matter, this idea can be misleading.

Dogs are polyphasic sleepers, meaning they naturally move between rest and activity throughout the day.

It’s a rhythm:

rest → activity → rest → activity

So when your dog settles during the day, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re bored. Often, it means they’re simply following their biology.

🧠 Rest is about the nervous system, not just fatigue

A dog doesn’t just rest because they’re physically tired. They rest because their body feels safe enough to do so.

A dog who can truly switch off is usually one who:

• feels secure in their environment

• isn’t constantly scanning or reacting

• doesn’t feel the need to stay “on guard”

That’s nervous system regulation, and it’s a big part of overall well-being.

⚡ When dogs can’t switch off

Some dogs might:

• pace or shadow you constantly

• lie down but pop back up at every movement

• seem restless even after exercise

• sleep lightly rather than deeply

It’s easy to assume they just need more stimulation. But often, that’s not the issue. In many cases, these dogs are not under-exercised — they’re over-aroused.

🔄 More stimulation isn’t always the answer

It’s a common pattern:

Restless dog → more walks, more training → more arousal → less ability to settle.

While enrichment is important, constant stimulation can keep the nervous system switched on, making quality rest harder to achieve.

What we’re aiming for isn’t just a tired dog. It’s a dog who can:

• engage when it matters

• and disengage when it doesn’t

💛 The “off switch” is a skill

The ability to rest isn’t just personality. It’s influenced by:

• environment

• routine

• type and amount of stimulation

• learned behaviour

For some dogs, especially sensitive, anxious, or high-drive dogs, this takes time and intentional support.

🛠️ How to help your dog switch off

If your dog struggles to settle, the goal isn’t to “wear them out” — it’s to create the conditions where rest is possible.

Here’s what actually makes a difference:

1. Create predictable rhythms

Dogs settle more easily when life is predictable.

• Feed, walk, and train at roughly consistent times

• Build a clear pattern of activity → rest → activity

• Avoid constant, random stimulation throughout the day

2. Balance stimulation (not just increase it)

Not all stimulation is equal.

• High-arousal activities (ball throwing, rough play) can keep dogs “wired”

• Mix in lower-arousal enrichment (sniffing, chewing, licking)

• Prioritise quality over quantity

3. Support decompression

Some dogs need help coming down after activity.

• Allow time for calm transitions after walks or training

• Avoid stacking too many stimulating activities back-to-back

• Think of it as a “cool down” period for the nervous system

4. Make rest the easy option

Environment matters more than people realise.

• Provide a quiet, comfortable resting space

• Reduce unnecessary noise and interruptions

• Don’t accidentally reward constant following or attention-seeking

5. Reinforce calm behaviour

Calmness is something you can actively support.

• Notice and quietly reinforce when your dog chooses to settle

• Avoid only engaging when they’re “on”

• Let rest become part of the routine, not an afterthought

🐶 What healthy rest looks like

A well-balanced dog will:

• settle easily when nothing is happening

• sleep deeply, not just lightly doze

• wake up ready and enthusiastic

• return to rest again without frustration

It’s a flexible system - not all or nothing.

🌿 So if your dog is resting…

Take it as a good sign.

It doesn’t mean you’re not doing enough.

It might mean you’re doing exactly the right things.