How To Teach A Dog Place Command Easily

Can you teach a dog a “place” command? Yes, absolutely! Teaching your dog a “place” command is one of the most valuable skills you can impart. It’s a foundational behavior that promotes good manners, enhances safety, and strengthens your bond. Think of it as teaching your dog “go to bed,” but with a broader application. This guide will walk you through the steps of dog place training using positive reinforcement.

What is the “place” command? The “place” command teaches a dog to go to a designated spot—like a mat, bed, or rug—and stay there until released. It’s more than just telling your dog to lie down; it’s about teaching them to occupy a specific area and remain calm. This skill is incredibly useful for managing your dog in various situations, from greeting guests to waiting patiently during meal times. It’s a fantastic crate training alternative for dogs who may not enjoy crates or for times when a crate isn’t practical.

How To Teach A Dog Place Command
Image Source: dogology.ca

Why Teach the “Place” Command?

The benefits of a solid “place” command are numerous. It provides your dog with a clear expectation of what to do, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security. It’s a powerful tool for teaching dog impulse control, as it requires your dog to resist the urge to follow you, greet visitors enthusiastically, or snatch dropped food. This command is the bedrock of teaching a dog to stay, making other training goals much more achievable.

Key Benefits of “Place” Training:

Improved Manners: Your dog won’t jump on guests or beg at the table.
Enhanced Safety: It keeps your dog out of harm’s way in busy environments.
Reduced Anxiety: Gives your dog a safe, familiar spot.
Better Household Harmony: Creates a calmer, more predictable home.
Foundation for Other Cues: Essential for teaching reliable “stays.”
Impulse Control Development: Helps your dog manage their desires.

Getting Started with Dog Place Training

Before you begin, gather a few essential items. The right tools make the process smoother.

Essential Supplies:

A Designated “Place”: This could be a mat, a dog bed, a small rug, or even a specific tile on the floor. The key is that it’s distinct and comfortable for your dog.
High-Value Treats: Small, tasty treats that your dog absolutely loves. These should be more exciting than their regular kibble.
A Clicker (Optional): If you use clicker training, have your clicker ready.
Patience and Consistency: These are your most important tools!

Choosing the Right “Place”:

The “place” should be a comfortable and appealing spot for your dog.

Mat or Bed: Many owners opt for a specific mat or a comfortable dog bed. These are easily portable and clearly define the space.
Location: Consider a quiet spot where your dog can feel secure, but also a location that can be generalized later (e.g., near you, in the living room).

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching the “Place” Command

This process relies heavily on positive reinforcement dog training. We’ll use a shaping approach, rewarding small steps toward the final goal.

Phase 1: Introducing the “Place”

The initial goal is to make the “place” a positive experience for your dog.

Step 1: Luring Your Dog Onto the Place

Hold a treat in your hand.
Gently lure your dog towards their mat or bed.
As their paws touch the edge, click (if using a clicker) and give them the treat.
Repeat this, gradually luring them further onto the mat.
The moment all four paws are on the mat, click and deliver a jackpot of treats (several treats at once).
Keep these initial sessions very short, just a few minutes, and always end on a positive note.

Step 2: Adding the Cue Word

Once your dog is readily stepping onto the mat with a lure, you can start adding the cue word.

As your dog is about to step onto the mat, say your chosen cue word clearly: “Place!” or “Mat!”
As they step onto the mat, click and treat.
Gradually increase the duration they stay on the mat before you click and treat. Start with just one second, then two, and so on.
If your dog steps off, that’s okay. Simply guide them back to the edge and try again. Avoid any punishment.

Step 3: Rewarding Calm Behavior on the Place

This stage focuses on reinforcing stillness and relaxation once your dog is on their spot.

Lure your dog onto the place and cue them.
Once they are on, wait for a moment of stillness. This might be them just standing still, or preferably, lying down.
Click and treat for this stillness.
If they immediately hop off, you might be asking for too much too soon. Go back to shorter durations.
The goal is for your dog to associate “place” with receiving rewards for being calm and still on their designated spot. This is crucial for dog conditioning for place.

Phase 2: Building Duration and Distance

Once your dog reliably goes to their place and stays for a few seconds, you’ll start increasing the challenge.

Step 4: Increasing Duration

Ask your dog to go to their place.
Once they are settled, wait a few seconds before clicking and treating.
Slowly increase the time between the behavior (being on the place) and the reward. Aim to build up to 5, 10, 30 seconds, and eventually minutes.
If your dog leaves their place before you release them, simply guide them back and try for a shorter duration. Don’t scold.
A good way to check if you’re progressing too fast is if your dog is consistently getting up before you reward them. If so, shorten the duration and try again.

Step 5: Introducing Distractions (Controlled Environment)

Once your dog can stay on their place for a reasonable amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds to a minute) without you present, you can start adding mild distractions.

Ask your dog to go to their place.
Once they are settled, introduce a very mild distraction. This could be you taking a step away, then returning.
If they remain on their place, click and treat.
Gradually increase the intensity of the distraction. This could be:
- You walking around the room.
- Someone else entering the room.
- Dropping a toy (not too close to them initially).
- Making a small noise.
Always reward your dog for staying on their place. If they break the command, the distraction was too much. Reset and try with a less intense distraction. This is a core part of teaching dog impulse control.

Step 6: Adding Distance

This involves increasing the physical distance between you and your dog while they remain on their place.

Ask your dog to go to their place.
Once settled, take one step away.
If they stay, return, click, and treat.
Gradually increase the distance. Walk to another part of the room, go through a doorway briefly, or even leave the room for a few seconds.
Always return to your dog to deliver the reward if possible, especially in the early stages. This reinforces that staying on their place is a good thing, and you will come back to them.

Phase 3: Generalizing the “Place” Command

The “place” command needs to work in different environments and situations.

Step 7: Varying the “Place”

Your dog needs to understand that “place” doesn’t just mean their specific mat.

Introduce the “place” cue in different rooms of your house. Use their mat initially.
Gradually introduce different locations without their mat. You can ask them to go to a specific spot on the rug in the living room or a particular floor tile in the kitchen.
You can also introduce different types of “places.” For example, try a different mat or a different style of dog bed.

Step 8: Adding the Release Cue

A release cue is essential for letting your dog know when they are free to leave their place.

Once your dog is in a solid “stay” on their place, use a clear release word like “Okay,” “Free,” or “Break.”
Toss a treat away from their place, or encourage them to move by calling them.
This teaches your dog that they must wait for permission to get up. This is fundamental to how to train a dog to stay.

Step 9: Putting it into Real-World Scenarios

Now it’s time to test the “place” command in practical, everyday situations.

Greeting Guests: Ask your dog to go to their place before opening the door. Reward them for staying while guests enter. You can gradually allow them to greet guests once they are calm.
Meal Times: Have your dog go to their place while you prepare and eat your meals. This prevents begging and teaches patience.
In the Car: A “place” on a car seat or in a crate can provide a safe spot for your dog during travel.
Public Places: With practice, you can use a portable mat in pet-friendly cafes or parks, asking your dog to “place” under your table or chair. This is excellent for dog mat training in public.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in “Place” Training

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter some common challenges.

Table: Common “Place” Training Problems and Solutions

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Dog won’t go to their place	Not enough value on the place; fear or confusion.	Increase treat value. Make the place enticing with treats. Go back to luring if needed. Ensure the place isn’t associated with punishment.
Dog only stays for a second	Duration is too long for current stage.	Go back to rewarding shorter durations. Gradually increase time. Ensure you are rewarding the act of staying.
Dog leaves place when you add distance	Distance is too great for current stage; anxiety.	Reduce the distance. Reward frequently for staying close. Slowly increase distance. Ensure you return to reward when possible.
Dog gets up as soon as you return	They’re anticipating the reward and breaking the stay.	Start rewarding before you reach them, or toss a treat away from their place as they wait. Practice the release cue carefully.
Dog is restless or anxious on place	Not relaxed enough; place not associated with comfort.	Ensure the place is comfortable. Use positive reinforcement to build positive associations. Practice relaxation exercises.
Dog breaks place when distractions occur	Distractions are too intense; impulse control is low.	Reduce distraction intensity. Practice in a quieter environment first. Gradually increase distractions slowly.
Dog doesn’t understand the release cue	Release cue is inconsistent or not clear.	Use a consistent, cheerful release cue. Ensure the reward clearly signifies the end of the “stay” period.

Advanced Tips for Mastering the “Place” Command

Once your dog has a good grasp of the basics, you can refine the command further.

Reinforcing Calmness: The Dog Settling Command

The “place” command often leads to a dog settling command. Encourage your dog to lie down on their place. Reward them when they naturally settle. You can add a cue like “Settle” or “Quiet” once they are lying down. This is about promoting true relaxation, not just a static pose.

Teaching Dog Impulse Control Through “Place”

The “place” command is a prime opportunity to teach teaching dog impulse control. When your dog is on their place and the doorbell rings, or a tempting treat falls, their ability to remain on their place demonstrates incredible impulse control. Consistently rewarding this restraint builds their ability to resist temptations in other areas of life.

Making “Place” a Crate Training Alternative

For dogs who don’t enjoy crates, dog mat training and the “place” command serve a similar purpose. It provides a safe, confined space where they are expected to relax. The key difference is the context and the dog’s association with the space. A “place” is often more positively framed than a crate, especially if the crate was introduced poorly.

Conclusion

Teaching your dog the “place” command is an investment that pays dividends in good behavior and a stronger relationship. By using positive reinforcement dog training methods, breaking down the process into manageable steps, and being consistent, you can help your dog master this invaluable skill. Remember, dog conditioning for place is about creating positive associations and rewarding desired behaviors. With patience and practice, your dog will be a pro at going to their “place” and staying put, making your life and theirs much more harmonious. This command is truly one of the cornerstones of how to train a dog to stay and manage their behavior effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does it take to teach a dog the “place” command?

A1: The time it takes varies greatly depending on the dog’s age, temperament, training history, and your consistency. Some dogs pick it up in a few days, while others may take a few weeks. Focus on gradual progress and celebrate small victories.

Q2: My dog keeps getting off their place. What should I do?

A2: If your dog is repeatedly leaving their place, you’re likely moving too fast. Break down the steps again. Reduce the duration, distance, or intensity of distractions. Ensure the rewards are high-value enough to keep them engaged. Make sure you are using a clear release cue and not accidentally releasing them by your actions.

Q3: Can I use the “place” command with my puppy?

A3: Yes, puppies can learn the “place” command! Start with very short sessions and high-value rewards. Keep it fun and positive. It’s a great way to build good habits from the start.

Q4: What if my dog doesn’t like their mat or bed?

A4: If your dog has negative associations with a specific item, try a different one. You can also work on creating positive associations with the existing item by feeding them on it, giving them special chew toys only when they are on it, and generally making it a very rewarding place to be.

Q5: How is “place” different from “go to your bed”?

A5: While often used interchangeably, “place” can be more versatile. “Go to your bed” typically refers to a specific bed, whereas “place” can be taught for any designated spot (a mat, a rug, a specific spot on the floor). The underlying principle of staying on a designated spot remains the same.