Place

How to teach your dog the "place" command

Introduction

The place command is a valuable tool for dog owners. It can be used to manage dogs and limit opportunistic behaviors, such as jumping, begging, or chewing. It can also be used to teach dogs how to self-soothe in distracting or stressful situations.

When sent to place, a dog is to target a bed, mat, or other designated area and lie down. They should remain there until given permission to leave. The place command can be used in a variety of settings, such as at home, in the car, or at the park.

Common Misconceptions

Some people believe that the place command is a punishment. However, this is not the case. The place command is a positive reinforcement command. When a dog goes to place and stays there, they are rewarded with praise, treats, or toys.

Another misconception is that the place command is only for puppies. This is not true. Dogs of all ages can learn the place command. In fact, it is a great command to teach older dogs who may be more prone to behavioral problems.

"Place" Command - Video Walkthrough

Steps to Address

Teaching Phase

Start with a quiet environment with few distractions. This will help your dog focus on the training.
Place a bed or mat on the floor and lure your dog onto it with a treat. All four paws should be on the mat before you mark and reward.
Repeat this several times, making sure to mark and reward each time your dog gets on the mat.
Once your dog is reliably getting on the mat, you can start adding the cue word "place." Say the cue word and then lure your dog onto the mat with a treat.
Repeat this several times, making sure to say the cue word before you lure your dog onto the mat.

Reinforcing Phase

Once your dog is reliably going to their place when you say the cue word, you can start phasing out the treats. Mark and reward your dog with praise or a pat on the head, but no longer give them a treat every time they go to their place.
Gradually increase the duration of time your dog stays on their place. Start with a few seconds and gradually increase the duration over time.
If your dog gets up before you release them, calmly redirect them back to their place and start over.

Proofing Phase

Once your dog is reliably staying on their place for short periods of time in a quiet environment, you can start practicing in more distracting environments. For example, you can try practicing in a room with other people or animals, or in a room with loud noises.
Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog. Start by saying the cue word and then taking a few steps away from your dog. If they stay on their place, give them a treat. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog until they are able to stay on their place even when you are in another room.

Maintenance Phase

Consistently practice "place" as often as possible. This will help your dog remember the command and stay consistent with their behavior.
If your dog starts to regress, go back to the previous phase and practice more. With consistent training, your dog will eventually be able to reliably go to their place and stay there in any environment.

Case Studies

Here are a few case studies that demonstrate the benefits of teaching the place command:

Case Study 1: A dog named Bella was a rescue who had a history of jumping on people. Her owner, Sarah, taught Bella the place command to help her manage Bella's behavior. Now, when Bella is excited to see someone, Sarah can simply tell her to go to her place and Bella will calmly lie down on her bed.
Case Study 2: A dog named Max was a puppy who was very curious and loved to chew on things. His owner, John, taught Max the place command to help him keep Max out of trouble. Now, when John leaves the house, he tells Max to go to his place and Max will happily lay down on his bed until John returns.
Case Study 3: A dog named Lucy was a service dog who was trained to help her owner, Mary, with her anxiety. Mary taught Lucy the place command so that Lucy could help her stay calm in stressful situations. Now, when Mary is feeling anxious, she can tell Lucy to go to her place and Lucy will lie down next to her and provide her with comfort.

Pet Parent Coaching Tips

Here are a few tips for teaching your dog the place command:

Be patient and consistent. It may take some time for your dog to learn the command, so be patient and keep practicing.
Use high-value treats. This will help make the training more rewarding for your dog.
Make the place command fun. If your dog is having fun, they are more likely to be motivated to learn.
Don't punish your dog if they make a mistake. Just calmly redirect them back to their place.
Be sure to praise your dog when they do the command correctly. This will help them learn that the command is a good thing.

Conclusion

The place command is a valuable tool for dog owners. It is easy to teach and can be used in a variety of situations. With a little patience and consistency, you can teach your dog the place command and enjoy the benefits of a well-behaved dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the place command and the stay command?
A: The place command and the stay command are similar in that they both involve asking your dog to stay in one place. However, there are some key differences between the two commands. The place command is a more specific command. It tells your dog to go to a specific spot and lie down. The stay command is more general. It tells your dog to stay in the same spot, regardless of where they are. Another difference between the two commands is that the place command is typically used for shorter periods of time, while the stay command can be used for longer periods of time.
Q: How long does it take to teach a dog the place command?
A: The amount of time it takes to teach a dog the place command will vary depending on the dog's individual learning style and motivation. However, most dogs can learn the place command in a matter of weeks with consistent training.