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8 Words That Calm Dogs Instantly

By Beth Ann Mayer Parade Pets

Updated June 13, 2026 7:22 AM

Saying certain words and phrases can calm an anxious dog. Getty Images Creditdamircudic

Just like with people, dogs can get scared or nervous in certain situations and need reassurance to help them feel safer. When that happens, as a pet parent it's only natural to want to do anything you can to be there for your furry family member. Though, you may be curious how you should speak to a stressed dog in those moments. The good new is, saying calming phrases can help. That's why we rounded up 8 words that make dogs feel like everything is okay, according to a trainer.

After all, when things feel different or stressful, dogs start looking for clues that they're safe and for guidance on what to do next. And they will probably look to you. "One of the strongest sources of comfort for most dogs is the person they trust most," says Bridget Murphy, the CEO of Koru K9 Dog Training. "You are your dog's person. You are the one to have the closest bond and the highest level of trust."

However, that trust comes with responsibility, and it's pretty profound. When something is off, your dog will want you to let them know if they're still alright. Below, Murphy shares what to say to an anxious dog and help them settle down. You may be surprised how simple these dog calming words are that will reassure your pup during a tough moment. By using them, you can be there for your devoted companion when they need you the most.

Words That Help Calm Dogs and Make Them Feel Safe

Have you ever wondered, "How do I make my dog feel okay and safe?" If so, you're not alone. It turns out that what you say can go a long way when it comes to soothing a dog. Here are the best words and phrases trainer recommended using to improve their mood.

1. "Good boy/girl"

No matter if you have a big or small dog, they're bound to feel uneasy from time to time. One calming phrase for dogs you can use is one you probably already know, but had no idea it could reduce anxiety. "There isn't a time that a dog parent has said 'good boy' or 'good girl' without following it with love, affection or treats," Murphy says.

For this reason, Murphy says using "good boy/girl" is a great example of positive reinforcement training when your pup needs some reassuance in a scary moment. "If those words are consistently followed by affection, rewards, or positive experiences, they become powerful markers that let your dog know everything is alright."

2. "Go to Your Crate/Bed"

This one may surprise some dog moms and dads, but trainers emphasize that using terms like "crate," "bed," or "place" isn't about confinement or punishment when you instruct your pup to go there. Instead, it's about direction, routine and safety.

When you send a dog to their crate or bed, you're guiding them to a familiar, predictable space where they know what to do and how to relax. According to Murphy, this clarity is part of what helps dogs settle down emotionally.

"All good things happen there, and it is their safe space," Murphy says. "Dogs generally relax more easily when they know exactly what is expected of them. A well-conditioned place, bed, or crate becomes a predictable refuge where the dog can settle down and decompress."

In many cases, this simple cue can help reduce anxiety and reinforce a sense that they have nothing to worry about because your dog is returning to a space associated with relaxation and comfort.

3. "Sit"

What if a single word could help a dog feel grounded, focused, and safe in an overwhelming moment? Trainers say that word is "sit."

Murphy points out that "sit" is often seen as a basic obedience command, but in practice, it can do much more than that. "In reality, it often serves as a familiar task that helps a stressed dog shift their focus away from uncertainty and toward something they know how to do successfully," Murphy reports.

Trainers say this easy action can be grounding, helping anxious dogs feel more stable and reassured. Over time, this simple cue can help reinforce a sense of comfort and help a dog feel safe because they understand what's expected and can succeed in the moment.

4. "Yes!"

When your pup doesn't feel safe, it can be hearbreaking as their pet parent, but what you say to your nervous dog can reduce your dog's stress. In fact, "yes" might be the simplest word you can say, but for dogs, it can be deeply reassuring and act as a calming command as well.

In dog training, "yes" is used as a marker word, a clear signal that a dog has done something right and that a reward is coming. Trainers say this kind of positive reinforcement doesn't just teach behavior, it can also help calm anxious dogs and make them feel safe and like everything is okay in the moment.

"When you reinforce the word ‘yes' with a reward for a dog, it tells the dog they got it right," Murphy explains.

5. "Come"

If you're looking for dog anxiety relief tips, trying using the word "come." This recall command not only keeps dogs physically safe, but Murphy notes it also makes dogs feel emotionally secure.

"For many overwhelmed dogs, hearing 'come' from a trusted owner means reconnecting with the person who provides guidance and security," Murphy says. "It creates a clear path forward when a dog may be feeling unsure about what to do next."

6. "Let's play!"

Sometimes words and phrases can distract your dog from whatever makes them feel uneasy. That's where terms like "let's play" come in handy.

"Engagement has a remarkable ability to change a dog's emotional state and improve your relationship with your dog," Murphy explains. "It encourages movement, engagement, curiosity and connection. When a dog is capable of playing, it's often a sign that they feel safe enough to relax and enjoy the moment."

7. "Treat?

When it comes to reassuring words for dogs, this is one dogs love hearing. "Most dogs quickly develop positive associations with the word 'treat' because of what consistently follows it," Murphy notes. "The anticipation alone is enough to brighten many dogs' moods-and their owners'."

8. "Let's go!"

If you need an idea to help with dog anxiety relief that can encourage your furry sidekick to be more relaxed, try saying "Let's go!"

This phrase is especially good to say outloud to your stressed pup because it lets them know they're not being left behind. What pup wouldn't feel more okay after hearing it? "Dogs are comforted by leadership, and this phrase communicates direction and purpose, and usually something fun," Murphy shares.

Tones That Make Dogs Feel Calm

While words can help dogs feel like everything is okay, so does tone.

"Dogs pay far more attention to how we say something than the actual word itself," Murphy says. "A calm, confident tone communicates stability, while a frantic or emotional tone can accidentally signal that something is wrong."

Murphy recommends speaking clearly, calmly and naturally to help a dog feel safe. "Many pet parents make the mistake of using a high-pitched, worried voice when their dog is nervous," Murphy adds. "While it's well-intentioned, it can sometimes reinforce the idea that there is something to be concerned about."

Source:

Bridget Murphy, the CEO of Koru K9 Dog Training

This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 7:10 AM.