How to Help Your Dog Settle at Home with the KLIMB Jr.®
Ever wish your dog could just chill out while you’re cooking, eating, or greeting guests? The KLIMB Jr.® helps make that happen. It’s the easiest way to give your dog their very own “home base”, a special spot to relax, stay calm, and feel part of the action without being underfoot.
Designed with everyday pet parents in mind, the KLIMB Jr. offers all the durability of the original KLIMB®, just in a smaller, lighter size that fits seamlessly into your home. It’s perfect for small dogs, growing puppies, and tight spaces, yet sturdy enough for dogs of all sizes.
Whether you’re managing mealtime chaos, busy doorways, or after-school energy, this simple routine helps your dog learn where to go and what to do when things get exciting.
(And yes, if you already own the full-size KLIMB®, these same steps work beautifully!)
🐾 What You’ll Need
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KLIMB Jr.® placed in a common area (entryway, kitchen, or living room)
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Small treats or pieces of regular kibble
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Leash (optional for gentle guidance and safety, especially near doors)
Step 1: Introduce the Home Base (about 1 minute)
Stand beside your KLIMB Jr. and invite your dog up.
When all four paws are on the platform, calmly say “yes” and offer a treat.
Feed 3–5 small treats slowly while your dog stays there. Keep your tone soft and your movements relaxed. Then use a simple word like “free” to release and step away together.
Pro tip: Keep it short and peaceful, aim for calm breaths before ending.
Step 2: Short Calm Sessions (2 minutes)
Ask your dog back onto the KLIMB Jr. and give a treat for hopping up.
Count silently to 10 while your dog stays there, giving a couple of quiet treats for relaxed behavior.
Release, reset, and repeat 2–3 times.
When your dog can calmly stay for about 10 seconds, you’re ready to add some small movements.
Step 3: Add Movement, Stay While You Move
Now it’s time to help your dog practice calm while you move around.
Take one step away, then return and reward. Gradually work up to taking a few steps, turning your back, or walking to the counter.
If they step off early, just guide them back on and try again. Keep things calm and encouraging.
Step 4: Practice Door Openings (with Leash for Safety)
Before trying this during real-life greetings, practice calmly opening the door with your dog on the KLIMB Jr.
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Wiggle the doorknob, reward calm behavior.
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Crack the door open slightly, reward again.
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Gradually open it wider across a few sessions.
If your dog moves toward the door, calmly close it, reset, and try again. This teaches them that staying put is the key to success, and helps prevent unwanted escapes.
Step 5: Everyday Calm, Real-Life Practice
Once your dog can relax through little movements, you’re ready for real-life calm moments!
Try sending your dog to their KLIMB Jr. while:
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Cooking or unloading groceries
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Eating dinner with the family
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Greeting guests at the door
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Signing for a delivery
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Helping kids with homework
Ask for a short settle (10–30 seconds to start) and quietly reward calm body language. Release once the moment is calm again.
Goal picture: Four paws on, loose body, soft eyes, and your dog checking in with you for what’s next.
💡 Why It Works
Giving your dog a consistent spot to relax teaches them what’s expected, and that brings comfort. Instead of reacting to every sound or movement, your dog learns that calm behavior pays off.
This “home base” becomes a safe, predictable place to rest and observe. Over time, it helps reduce jumping, barking, and overstimulation, while building confidence and trust.
How to Build the Skill
Start small and grow slowly, a few minutes a day makes a big difference.
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Time: Add a few seconds each day, working toward 1–2 minutes of calm.
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Distance: Step back briefly, then return and reward.
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Distractions: Try it while the TV’s on, the kids are moving around, or someone knocks.
Troubleshooting
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Too wiggly? Use smaller treats or shorten sessions.
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Stepping off early? Gently guide them back on and reward calm.
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Whining or barking? Reward more often while they’re quiet to build success.
Safety & Success Notes
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Keep sessions upbeat but calm, end before your dog gets restless.
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Always supervise pets and kids around the platform.
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The KLIMB Jr. is for pets only, not for standing or sitting on.
✅ Quick Win Checklist
✔️ KLIMB Jr. placed in a calm household spot
✔️ 3–5 minute calm sessions daily
✔️ Door-opening practice before real greetings
✔️ Peaceful mealtimes, quieter doorways, calmer days
With just a few minutes a day, you’ll notice a real change, a calmer home, a happier dog, and a much smoother daily routine.
Ready to start your calm routine?
👉 Shop the KLIMB Jr.® or use your existing KLIMB® to create your dog’s favorite relaxation spot.