Simple Recommendations & Exercises to Start Today

These easy techniques fit right into your daily routine and will make a huge difference in helping Snooffles feel more relaxed.

Step 1: Create a Calm & Cozy Home for Snooffles 🏡✨

As an Aussiedoodle puppy, Snooffles is naturally alert, energetic, and highly aware of her surroundings. She may bark as a way to communicate excitement, warn about potential “intruders,” or simply because she’s curious about new sounds and people. A calm home environment can help her feel secure and reduce excessive barking.

Try these easy adjustments:

• 🎵 Soft, calming background noise – White noise or classical music can help mask sudden sounds like footsteps, car horns, or delivery trucks. Perfect for keeping Snooffles relaxed when she’s home alone!

  Try out these relaxing bits:
  White Noise Sounds, Noise & Rain, Relaxing Piano Music, Lo-Fi Relaxing Music

• 🚪 Limit visual distractions – If Snooffles barks at people or dogs outside, frosted window film or curtains can reduce her need to “patrol” the area. Out of sight, out of mind!

• 🛏 Create a “Quiet Zone” – Snooffles’ bed should be placed away from high-traffic areas, doors, or windows so she isn’t constantly reacting to movement outside. A cozy, enclosed space can make her feel more secure.

• 🦴 Give her something fun to focus on! – A stuffed Kong for Puppies (with peanut butter or yogurt) or a long-lasting chew keeps her mind engaged and her barking at bay!

Paw Tip: Since she’s a puppy, her barking habits are still forming. Pay attention to when Snooffles barks the most — adjusting her environment (like closing a curtain or offering a chew at the right time) can make a big difference!

Step 2: Teach Snooffles to “Settle” on Cue 🧘‍♀️🐶

As a highly intelligent and excitable puppy, Snooffles needs help learning how to self-regulate and relax. Teaching her a “Settle” cue will show her that staying calm is rewarding. Instead of reacting with barking, Snooffles will learn to pause, relax, and wait calmly. Over time, this will become her default response to common triggers like the doorbell or visitors.

📅 Practice: 3-5 times per week | 5-10 min per session

🕒 Best times: When Snooffles is already calm, or right before/after her biggest barking triggers (like the doorbell or new guests).

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Pick a Spot – Choose a comfy mat, bed, or crate where Snooffles can relax.

2. Encourage Her to Settle – Guide her to the spot and reward her as soon as she lies down.

3. Reward Calm Behavior – Give her small treats when she stays in her spot quietly. (The longer she stays relaxed, the bigger the reward!)

4. Introduce a Cue Word – Say “Settle” or “Relax” when she lies down, helping her associate the word with being calm.

5. Make It Fun! – Once she understands the basics, add small distractions—like a light knock on the door or a gentle clap. Reward her for staying put!

Paw Tip: Since Snooffles is still a puppy, patience and consistency are key! The more she practices, the easier it will be for her to stay calm even when exciting things happen.