Teaching your dog to relax, calm down. We would do this in training class when all the dogs were getting hyper. Have him lay down and say "settle". Calm and relax him by stroking and rubbing in a soothing manner. This is also a good time to go over every square inch of his body with your hand. You can check for lumps, bumps, ect. You can handle his feet, check his ears, look at his teeth once he's nice & relaxed.
Axel gets hyper also sometimes. He knows i won't pet him until he's calm and sitting. If he starts nose rooting and nudging, i say ack, or some similar noise and he sits still again.
Dog's learn quick what will get them a scratch on the head & what brings correction. Correction doesn't have to be forceful, just CONSISTANT. Soon they learn if i want petted, i better sit still and be good. Otherwise she is going to make that sound & i won't get petted.
This really came into play when i had surgery on both feet. Can you imagine a 98 lb dog trying to squirm all over you, when you've just had surgery?
