Supporting Calm in Dogs: What Is the Vagus Nerve and How Can It Help?

At Jordan Dog Training, we know that helping dogs feel safe, calm and in control is just as important as teaching obedience skills. While we’re dog trainers — not vets — we also stay up to date with research into how a dog’s nervous system affects behaviour, learning, and wellbeing.

One area that’s getting more attention is the vagus nerve — a key part of your dog’s body that plays a big role in helping them relax and recover from stress. The good news? You might already be supporting it without even realising.

This blog is designed to give dog owners a gentle introduction to what the vagus nerve is, why it matters, and how you can support calm in safe, natural ways at home.

What is the vagus nerve?

The vagus nerve is one of the most important nerves in your dog’s body. It connects the brain to the heart, lungs, and digestive system, and it plays a key role in what’s known as the parasympathetic nervous system — the system responsible for calming the body after stress, excitement, or stimulation.

When the vagus nerve is working well, it helps:

• Lower your dog’s heart rate
• Support steady breathing
• Promote digestion
• Signal to the body that it’s safe to rest and relax

This ability to calm down and return to baseline is sometimes called emotional regulation — and it’s something many dogs (especially reactive or anxious ones) can struggle with.

Why dog owners should care

As dog trainers, we often work with dogs who:

• Struggle to settle after walks or visitors
• React strongly to sights and sounds
• Stay alert or on edge for long periods
• Seem overexcited or “on the go” all the time

While training helps, these dogs may also benefit from natural, low-risk ways to support their nervous system and encourage relaxation.

Supporting calm doesn’t replace training or veterinary care — but it’s a valuable part of the big picture.

Signs your dog might be struggling to self-regulate

If your dog:

• Paces, pants, or whines in quiet environments
• Struggles to sleep or switch off
• Overreacts to minor triggers
• Has occasional digestive upsets with no clear cause

…they may benefit from more support for settling and decompression. These behaviours are not “naughty” — they’re signs your dog might be finding it hard to relax.

If you’re ever unsure, or if behaviours change suddenly, speak to your vet to rule out pain or medical concerns.

Ways to support your dog’s vagus nerve

Here are some simple, everyday strategies that may gently support your dog’s ability to calm down and feel safe. They’re safe, dog-friendly, and already part of many training routines we use.

🐶 1. Let them sniff

Sniffing is like mindfulness for dogs. It slows breathing and helps dogs process the world.

Try this:

• Go on a “sniffari” walk where your dog leads the pace
• Use a long lead (in safe areas) and let them explore
• Scatter feed dry food in the yard or park

👉 Learn more in our blog: Let Them Sniff

🐶 2. Chewing and licking

Chewing and licking are calming behaviours that help dogs self-soothe. They’re also great for boredom busting and decompression.

Try this:

• Frozen stuffed Kongs
• Lick mats with dog-safe yoghurt, pumpkin or liver paste
• Long-lasting natural chews like roo tendons or beef jerky

👉 Browse our online store for healthy, enriching options

🐶 3. Predictable routines

Dogs feel safer when life is predictable. A steady routine helps reduce stress and supports relaxation.

Try this:

• Keep mealtimes and walks at similar times each day
• Use a verbal cue like “bedtime” before settling for the night
• Avoid big surprises or sudden schedule changes when possible

🐶 4. Calm physical contact

Gentle touch may help promote calm for dogs who enjoy being patted. Focus on slow strokes in quiet settings.

Try this:

• Stroke your dog’s chest or shoulders slowly and calmly
• Let them lean in or guide the contact
• Watch for signs of enjoyment: relaxed eyes, a soft body, or a sigh

Never force touch — not all dogs find it relaxing.

🐶 5. Time to rest after excitement

After play, visitors, or outings, give your dog a chance to unwind. Just like people, dogs need time to shift from excitement to calm.

Try this:

• Offer a chew after a walk
• Set up a quiet crate or mat in a calm space
• Use calming cues like a soft voice and low lighting

🐶 6. Support digestive health

The vagus nerve connects the brain and the gut — so gut health may influence your dog’s mood. While this is an emerging area of research, a healthy digestive system supports overall wellbeing.

Try this:

• Feed a balanced, high-quality diet
• Use slow-feeding or enrichment bowls to reduce gulping
• Add natural fibre (like cooked pumpkin) if recommended by your vet

👉 Read more in our blogs on enrichment feeding and settling after meals

Gentle support, not a quick fix

These techniques are not magic cures — but they are easy, safe ways to build a foundation for calm behaviour. You may already be doing some of them without realising how beneficial they are.

When combined with consistent, positive training, supporting your dog’s calm state helps them:

• Learn more easily
• Settle quicker
• Feel safer in new or challenging situations

And most importantly — it helps them enjoy life.

When to get help

If your dog is regularly anxious, reactive, or over-stimulated, you don’t have to manage it alone. Our experienced trainers and behaviourists can help you understand your dog and work towards a calmer, more confident future — with kindness, patience, and no force.

You can also speak to your vet if you notice sudden changes in your dog’s behaviour or health.

👉 Contact us here if you’d like help building your dog’s confidence and calm through positive training.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, wellbeing, or mobility, we always recommend speaking with your vet to ensure the best care for your dog.