The Place Command: Have Your Dog Relax on Cue.

Are you looking for a way to help your dog chill out when life gets busy? How about teaching your dog the Place Command! This command teaches your dog to relax on cue, giving you the freedom to enjoy your day without distractions. Let’s dive into how you can easily train your dog to master this game-changing skill.

Introduction to the Place Command

Essential Training for Everyday Life

The Place Command is all about teaching your dog where to go and what to do when you need them to settle down.

It’s like giving your pup a job! Instead of wandering around or causing chaos, they’ll know just where to hang out until you say otherwise.

Benefits of the Place Command

Teaching Calmness on Cue

Imagine being able to cook dinner, clean the house, or enjoy a meal at a restaurant without your dog underfoot. The Place Command helps your dog learn to be calm, even when things are happening around them. Whether at home or out on an adventure, your dog will have a designated spot to relax.

Helps Dogs Settle in Real-World Situations

The beauty of the 'Place' command is that it translates well to real-world situations.

Whether you're at a brewery, on a hiking trip, or in a busy town centre chatting with someone who stopped to admire your well-trained dog, teaching your dog to settle anywhere allows you to enjoy your time together without worry."

Getting Started with Place Training

Essential Gear for Training

You don’t need a lot of fancy gear to teach the Place Command. A simple mat or dog bed will work perfectly! Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to get started:

A designated place (like a dog bed or mat)
Treats for rewards
A leash for guidance

To kick things off, grab some treats and your pup’s leash. Start in a quiet area where distractions are minimal. Use a food lure to guide your dog to the first “place” and reward them as soon as all four paws are on the mat. You can also use and we recommend that you do use a clicker in your training. To learn more about clicker visit our blog post here.

Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break it down into easy steps:

Start with the Release Cue: Before using “place,” teach your dog a release word like “free.” This signals when they can get up from their spot.
Introduce the Command: Lead your dog to their place and reward them when all four paws are on it.
Add Lie Down: Once they’re on their spot, ask them to lie down. Reward them for following your command.
Increase Duration: Gradually ask them to stay longer on their place before rewarding them.
Add Distractions: As they get the hang of it, introduce distractions and practice in different locations.

Advancing the Place Routine

Increasing Distractions and Duration

As your dog masters the basics, it’s time to up the challenge. Start adding distractions—like noises or movements—and gradually increase the amount of time they stay on their “place.” This is where you’ll really see their skills shine!

Challenging Your Puppy in Real-Life Scenarios

Take the training outside to various environments. Whether you’re at the park or a friend’s house, practice the Place Command to reinforce what they’ve learned.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Sometimes, training won’t go as planned. If your dog breaks command, gently lead them back to their spot. Remember, consistency is key! If they make several mistakes, take a break and try again later.

Incorporating the Crate

Incorporating Crate For Higher Energy Dogs

Most commonly the dogs that are high-energy are the ones who are harder to train to settle down. These dogs might benefit from crate training because they often need extra supervision to hold their position; without it, they’re more likely to break before being released. Teaching a high-energy dog to settle without a crate can take significant effort and perseverance from you to get the results. Therefore, for these dogs, initial place training might begin with the crate to teach relaxation skills, which can then be gradually transferred to a mat as they learn to settle independently.

Conclusion: The Value of the Place Command

Transforming Your Dog’s Behaviour

Teaching your dog the Place Command isn’t just about having a well-behaved pet; it’s about creating a peaceful environment for both of you. With consistent practice, you’ll soon enjoy happy moments together, whether at home or on the go.

Enjoying Peaceful Moments with a Well-Trained Dog

So, are you ready to give the Place Command a try? With patience and practice, your dog will be chilling on cue in no time!

FAQ

What is the Place Command?

The Place Command is a cue that teaches your dog to go to a specific spot and stay there until released. It helps promote calmness in various situations.

How long does it take to train my dog the place command?

Can I use any mat to train my dog the place command?

Some dogs aren’t easy to train and may need extra guidance and different training methods to succeed. For example, certain dogs benefit from leash guidance to help them understand and hold their position. That’s where we come in—if you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to contact us for the support and techniques needed to make training easier and more effective.