How to Teach Your Dog the “Place” Command in 7 Steps

Dog owners would probably agree that dogs resemble toddlers in many ways – a pure joy to spend time with, but they won’t stay in one place. You’re likely to face situations when sending your dog to their designated spot in the house will be a must. If this task seems nearly impossible for you, we are here to help.

This piece will explain how to teach your dog to stay in place and why mastering the command is critical. Let’s dive in.

Why Is the Place Command Important?

One of the main advantages of teaching your dog the “Place” command is the peace of mind it brings. Some environments may pose risks to your dog. Imagine cooking dinner hectically in a busy kitchen full of choking hazards or hot surfaces. Sending your dog to their place helps protect them from those dangers and reduces your stress without constantly monitoring your fluffy companion.

Another reason why you should teach your dog the cue “Place” is because it helps deal with problematic behaviors. For example, if your dog has a habit of jumping on people, you can rely on the “Sit” command to prevent unwanted interaction. But you can also give the “Place” cue: your dog will stay quietly in their spot without bothering guests or being bothered by them. And you won’t have to worry about the dog’s reaction to your visitors.

Finally, you can teach the command using a portable mat and use the cue anywhere. It will help you control your dog’s behavior when you travel, providing both convenience and comfort. Not only does it simplify getting a dog to unfamiliar places, but it also gives your dog a feeling of comfort in a new environment.

What Do You Need to Teach the Place Command?

Before we learn how to teach your dog the “Place” command, let’s discuss how to get ready to start the training. The good news is that the command is easy, and you can teach it at home. The training sessions don’t require many tools, but you should still stock some items in advance.

You need:

• a placemat, a crate, or a dog bed
• a leash (if your dog or puppy is comfortable with it)
• treats to use as rewards

Once your dog masters the “Place” cue with a familiar object like their bed, you can level up the complexity and teach your dog to use a towel, car, or even a vet’s scale as a spot to go to and stay.

How to Teach Your Dog Place in 7 Steps

Before training begins, ensure your dog has mastered the “Lie Down” command and a release cue. The release word is vital as your dog must stay in one place until you let them leave it.

Here is how to teach your dog to stay in place:

1. Choose a simple and short word to use as the command. Most dog owners choose “Place!” but other options, like “Bed!” will also do.

2. Stand close to the dog’s place, give the cue “Place!” and lure your dog to the spot using a treat.

When your dog steps on the spot with all four paws, praise the dog, mark the behavior (you can use a clicker at this point), and treat them.

3. After several repetitions, start fading the lure. Give the cue “Place!” and point your finger to the place. Turn your body toward the spot, but don’t lure the dog with a treat. When the dog steps on the place with four paws, praise, mark, and reward the behavior. Gradually start using a verbal command only, without a hand cue.

4. Practice the command in short training sessions. After some time, you will notice your dog lying on the mat when you give the “Place!” command. Reward your dog only if they lie down on the spot.

5. Start gradually increasing the time your dog should spend on the mat. For that, add a few more seconds to the time your dog remains in the spot before you give them a treat each time you practice.

6. Add other locations. When your dog consistently follows the command in one room, take the mat to another room and repeat the training process. Most dogs quickly catch up on having a designated place in a new room.

Pro tip: if your dog experiences trouble generalizing the behavior to other rooms in the house, take a step back. Repeat the training process in a new room and give your dog more time to adjust.

More Tips on How to Teach Your Dog Place

Dogs generally don’t have problems grasping the “Place!” command. A few short training sessions should help your dog understand the concept of staying in one place on your command. If you experience difficulties training your dog to the “Place!” command, check out how to troubleshoot problematic behavior.

Here are some tips on how to teach your dog place:

• Make the training consistent. Don’t send your dog mixed messages. If you decide the kitchen is dangerous for your dog to hang out while cooking, make it your priority to send them to their place each time.

• Don’t use the command as punishment. Use positive reinforcement to help your dog master the “Place!” command. If your dog starts associating the place with punishment, you will have more problems convincing them to stay there.

• Make your dog love their spot. Work on building a positive association with the mat or dog bed you will use to teach your dog place. For example, you can present your dog with new toys on the mat.

Bottom Line

Teaching your dog to go to their place in various environments is essential for their safety. The command also simplifies traveling or vet appointments with your dog. Practice consistently and use positive reinforcement to obtain the best results.