• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered by Rover.com

Just another The Dog People by Rover.com Sites site

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Try Rover
  • Dogs
    • First Time Dog Parent
    • Behaviour
    • Training
    • Nutrition
    • Health & Wellness
    • Grooming
    • Gear
  • Dog Names
  • Dog Breeds
  • Cat
    • First Time Cat Parent
    • Behaviour
    • Nutrition
    • Health & Wellness
    • Grooming
    • Gear
  • Cat Breeds
  • Pet Videos
    • België
    • Canada (English)
    • Canada (Français)
    • Danmark
    • Deutschland
    • Die Schweiz
    • España
    • France
    • Ireland (English)
    • Italia
    • Nederland
    • Norge
    • Suomi
    • Sverige
    • United States
    • Österreich
    • Sitter Resources

How to Hypnotise Your Dog in 5 Easy Steps

Share0Pin It0

How to Hypnotise Your Dog in 5 Easy Steps

Dog > Behaviour
By Rover Staff

Share0Tweet0Pin It0
  • Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

You’ve probably seen a hypnotist on television mesmerising a volunteer until they squawk like a chicken or bark like a dog. It turns out that chickens and dogs can be hypnotised, too. Chickens are apparently the easiest to put in a trance-like state, but it can also work on dogs.

Some dog lovers suggest hypnosis can be very useful. Hypnotising a canine isn’t the same as hypnotising a human, but it can help them become docile and reduce stress and anxiety. Expert opinions on dog hypnosis vary. If you do your research and decide it’s a good idea for you and your pet, here are some tips on how to go about it.

Advertisement

Step 1: Calm Environment

If your goal is gaining the attention, trust, and compliance of your pet, your best bet is a comfortable, quiet atmosphere.

Find a place they’re likely to be the least agitated. Remove distractions like other people, pets, and noises. Think: comfy bed (memory foam is easy on the joints), a favourite blanket, and familiar smells. You can also try Rescue remedy, a calming collar, or even aromatherapy.

Via flickr/oakley_originals

Step 2: Gentle Touch

Human hypnotists use deliberate touch (an arm, shoulder, etc.) to establish connection and trust. Your dog is no different.

Give calm pets, and try stroking their head, back, and belly. Solidify the serene environment with loving hands.

Step 3: Soothing Sounds

Repeated, soothing phrases to “relax” and “calm down” help cue your dog.

Before working with your dog’s body, it’s important that they’re comfortable with your presence and voice. Calming music is also helpful.

Step 4: Holding Position

via GIPHY

After these first three steps alone, your dog may already appear hypnotised. It could just be that they’re feeling calm and dozing off—which is enough for many pet parents!

For a deeper state of hypnosis, the next step is shifting your dog into a submissive position. Opinions vary on this. Some suggest animals—including dogs—can be lulled into a hypnotic state simply by sitting them on your lap with their rump closest to you and head between your knees.

Others recommend shifting your dog onto their back, holding them under the arms, and stroking their belly until their limbs go limp.

Step 5: Tonic State

Via flickr/celebdu

Via flickr/celebdu

What will a hypnotised dog’s body language be like? You’re waiting to see a state known as tonic immobility. They’ll be perfectly still and limp. At this point, you should be able to release them, and they’ll remain in a tonic state.

Test their limbs for responses, and if they start to rouse, place a gentle hand on their face and speak soothingly.

A clap or decisive call should wake them from the state of hypnosis whenever you’re ready.

The Real Question: Why Hypnotise a Dog?

Via flickr/normanack

Via flickr/normanack

Hypnosis can be a kind of “time out” and stress reliever for dogs, especially for those who experience anxiety. The jury’s still out, and opinions differ: some are concerned the tonic state—once an instinctive response to certain predators—may not help against fear, but aggravate it instead.

Make sure to consult your vet before you begin, and take it slow and easy, always watching your dog for cues.

We may be a font of knowledge and advice here at Rover.com but we also have plenty of dog walkers and sitters who offer walking and dog boarding in your area so get ready to meet your dog’s perfect match!

_

Top image via Flickr/germanny: “Blu Getting a Massage”

All the pet care tips you need, straight to your inbox

Receive the latest adorable pet photos, care tips, training advice, product recommendations and more.

Please enter a valid email
Something went wrong. Please try again.
By providing my email address, I consent to receive marketing communications from Rover.com and its affiliates and confirm that I am 18 years of age or older. I can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Statement
Subscribed!
Dog and cat looking at a laptop
Share0Tweet0Pin It0

sidebar

Avatar photo
By Rover Staff

Share This Article

Share0Tweet0Pin It0

Popular Posts

  • How To Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car
  • Cat Hairballs: How to Prevent and Treat Them in Your Cat
  • Everything You Need To Know Before Giving Your Dog Beans
  • How And Where Do Dogs Like To Be Pet?
  • Is Coconut Oil Good for Dogs? Experts Weigh In On the Benefits
  • Why Cats Chew on Cords and How You Can Stop It
  • Do Dogs Smile?
  • How Much Chocolate Is Toxic to Dogs? Symptoms & Treatment Advice
  • Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much?
  • Everything A Dog’s Tail Can Teach You

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Sitter Resources
  • Terms of Service
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Download the App
  • In The Press
  • Advertise With Us

Need Help?

  • Help Center
Advertisement
Your privacy choices
© 2025 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.