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Image courtesy Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, LSHC-S

Take a Breath (TAB) is an exercise that can teach your dog to take deep breaths, helping them relax and manage their stress in difficult situations. Observing how your dog is breathing and then reinforcing the behavior of flaring nostrils, sniffing small amounts of air, or inhaling deeply helps to promote relaxation, which then regulates the mind and body.

An established TAB behavior is an excellent skill for counteracting barking. Instead of suppressing barking, teach your dog that breathing earns a reward. Over time, they will learn that when they feel excited, frustrated, or tempted to bark, they can take a deep breath instead. This results in a calm, quiet dog. It also offers an alternative to telling your dog to be quiet.

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Image courtesy Hannah Brehaut, CDBC, CCUI, LSHC-S

There are two phases involved in teaching TAB. Phase 1 contains two methods:

Phase 1: Teach Your Dog to Take a Breath

Method 1. Air Scenting

1. Set out a mat, mark, and reward when your dog goes to the mat to lie down (see mat work steps 1-3).
2. Sit on the floor or a chair near your dog.
3. Have strong-smelling treats handy, but out of your dog’s sight.
4. Remove one treat, hold it in your hand, and watch your dog’s nose. Note: Some dogs have an obvious nostril flare, while others puff their cheeks more clearly. If necessary, observe your dog’s chest movement for breathing.
5. When they sniff the air, slowly move the treat towards their mouth, and give it to them.

Method 2. Modeling

1. Repeat the first three steps above.
2. Hold a treat up to your nose and inhale deeply.
3. Watch your dog’s nostrils. When you see them inhale, slowly move the treat towards their mouth and give it to them.

Phase 2: Adding Distractions   

1. Place the mat in an area with a few distractions, such as a deck or yard.
2. Continue modeling or encouraging air scenting in this new environment to reinforce deep breaths.
3. Practice for a few minutes each session, gradually increasing the duration over several days.
4. When your dog is able to breathe deeply in this low-distraction environment, begin adding mild distractions, such as people at a distance.

It will take some time for your dog to understand this concept. Continue practicing these steps. Sit quietly with your dog while reinforcing for deep breaths to encourage overall relaxation.

From Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed® program, adapted from Karen Overall’s biofeedback protocol.