Teaching your dog to go to their "place" is a fundamental skill that provides a designated safe space for your dog and helps manage their behavior, especially during distractions or when guests are over. This command, often referred to as "place," "mat," or "bed," teaches your dog to settle calmly on a specific item until released.
Understanding "Place" Training
"Place" training is a highly effective positive reinforcement method that teaches your dog impulse control and self-regulation. It's not just about lying down; it's about staying relaxed and attentive on a specific item, such as a dog bed, mat, or raised cot.
Benefits of "Place" Training:
- Improved Impulse Control: Teaches your dog to manage excitement and stay calm.
- Structured Downtime: Provides a clear signal for when it's time to relax.
- Behavior Management: Useful for managing dogs during mealtimes, when guests arrive, or during other potentially chaotic situations.
- Mental Exercise: Engages your dog's mind, building confidence and obedience.
- Portability: You can take your dog's "place" with you, providing comfort and consistency in new environments.
Essential Supplies for "Place" Training
Before you begin, gather a few key items to make the training process smooth and successful:
- Designated "Place" Item: This could be a dog bed, a bath mat, a raised cot, or a blanket. Choose something distinct that your dog can easily identify.
- High-Value Treats: Small, soft, and extra-tasty treats that your dog absolutely loves.
- Clicker (Optional but Recommended): A clicker can help mark the exact moment your dog performs the desired behavior, making training more precise.
- Leash: Useful for initial guidance and keeping your dog focused.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching "Place"
Teaching your dog to go to their place involves breaking down the behavior into small, manageable steps, gradually increasing difficulty as they learn.
Step 1: Luring Onto the Place
Begin by making the "place" item appealing.
- Introduce the Place: Place the mat or bed on the floor.
- Lure with a Treat: Hold a high-value treat near your dog's nose and use it to lure them onto the place. Move the treat in a way that guides them to step all four paws onto the item.
- Mark and Reward: The moment all four paws are on the place, say "Yes!" or click your clicker, then immediately give the treat.
- Practice Repetitions: Repeat this a few times until your dog willingly steps onto the place when lured. Don't add a verbal cue yet; just focus on the physical action.
Step 2: Adding the Cue and Distance
Once your dog reliably steps onto the place, it's time to introduce the verbal command and start building distance.
- Add the Cue: As your dog is about to step onto the place (or just as they do), say your chosen verbal cue, such as "Place," "Mat," or "Bed."
- Take a Step Back: Once your dog is on their place, say "Place," take one step back, wait for a second, then immediately mark (with a "Yes!" or click) and reward them with a treat while they are still on the place.
- Increase Distance Gradually: Continue to practice by taking two steps back, then three steps, and so on. The goal is to gradually increase the distance between you and your dog while they remain on their place.
- Avoid Waiting Too Long: It's crucial not to wait so long that your dog gets bored or confused and frequently pops off of the place. If they start to get off, you've likely progressed too quickly; go back to a shorter distance or duration.
- Practice from a Distance: Once your dog understands the command when you're nearby, begin practicing by cueing "Place" from various distances, encouraging them to go to their place even if you're across the room.
Step 3: Practicing Duration
After your dog understands the command and can go to their place from a distance, the next step is to teach them to stay there for longer periods.
- Short Stays: Have your dog go to their place. Mark and reward after just one second. Gradually increase the time they stay on the place before you mark and reward. Start with 1 second, then 2, then 5, then 10, and so on.
- Randomize Rewards: Instead of rewarding at fixed intervals, vary when you reward (e.g., after 3 seconds, then 7, then 4, then 10). This keeps your dog engaged.
- Add a Release Cue: Introduce a clear release word like "Okay," "Free," or "Break." Say your release cue and then encourage your dog to get off the place. This teaches them that they should stay until explicitly told they can leave.
Step 4: Adding Distractions
Once your dog is reliably staying on their place for increasing durations, it's time to introduce distractions.
- Low-Level Distractions: Start with very mild distractions, such as you walking around the room, making slight noises, or holding a toy.
- Gradual Increase: Slowly increase the level of distraction. This could include other family members moving around, the doorbell ringing, or eventually, another dog or person entering the room.
- Revisit Earlier Steps: If your dog breaks their stay due to a distraction, reduce the distraction level and revisit earlier steps where they were successful.
Troubleshooting Common "Place" Training Challenges
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dog won't get on the place | Ensure the place is comfortable. Use higher-value treats. Make the luring more obvious and engaging. |
| Dog gets off the place quickly | Go back to shorter durations and less distance. Reward more frequently, before they even think about getting off. |
| Dog doesn't go to the place from a distance | Practice "Place" from slightly increasing distances more often. Make sure the reward is still very high-value for this more challenging step. |
| Dog is distracted easily | Introduce distractions very gradually. If a distraction causes them to fail, reduce the level of distraction or simplify other aspects of the exercise. |
| Dog doesn't understand the release cue | Always follow the release cue with getting off the place. You can gently encourage them off at first after the cue. |
Tips for Success
- Consistency is Key: Practice "place" training regularly, even for just a few minutes a day.
- Keep Sessions Short and Fun: Short, positive training sessions (5-10 minutes) are more effective than long, tedious ones.
- Use High-Value Rewards: Make sure your dog finds the treats truly motivating.
- End on a Positive Note: Always try to finish each training session with a successful repetition to build confidence.
- Practice in Various Locations: Once mastered at home, try practicing in different rooms, then in the yard, and eventually in new, quiet environments.
- Be Patient: Every dog learns at their own pace. Celebrate small victories and avoid frustration.
- Positive Reinforcement: Focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing mistakes. Learn more about positive reinforcement here.
Teaching your dog to go to their place is a valuable investment that will enhance their obedience, provide them with a sense of security, and bring more peace to your home.
