Place

The Place behavior has so many versatile uses beyond the basics in dog training. They include: Service dog training, therapy dog training, reactive dog training, separation anxiety, impulse control, etc. The end goal is to be able to send your dog to a “place” where they lay down and stay there until released. In the beginning of training it is ok to start with a strong sit. Keep reading to train the most used behavior in a dog trainers toolbox, place.

Tips & Tricks for Place

Use a Bed, Mat, raised cot or even their crate for this exercise. 

Have treats readily available in your pocket/pouch.

Determine a release word prior to starting this training session- “Break, Release, Free”

Beginner:

1. With your dog on a leash say “Dog’s Name, Place” and guide your dog to the Bed/Mat you want them to be on. 
2. When all four paws are on the bed Mark with “Yes”. 
3. Wait a few seconds (1-2)  
4. Use your release word “Break” and walk away from the bed encouraging your dog to follow.
5. Do this 5-15 times. 

Intermediate: 

1. Say “Dog’s Name, Place” guide them to the Bed/mat you want them to go to.
2. Once all four paws are on the Bed/Mat, lure them into a sit position. (Try to not say sit) 
3. When all four paws are on the bed Mark with “Yes”. 
4. Wait a few seconds (1-2)  
5. Use your release word “Break” and walk away from the bed encouraging your dog to follow. 
6. Do this 5-15 times.

Advanced: 

1. Say “Dog’s Name, Place” guide them to the Bed/Mat you want them to go to 
2. Once all four paws are on the Bed/Mat, cue them into a Down (lure if needed but no words) 
3. Wait a few seconds (1-2)  
4. Use your release word “Break” and walk away from the bed encouraging your dog to follow. 
5. Do this 5-15 times.

**After each stage of this cue you can begin adding distance and duration to the Place.**

Add Distance

1. Say “Dog’s Name, Place” guide them to the bed/mat but stop 1 ft away from the bed/mat, use your lead to guide the dog the rest of the way to the place. 
2. Wait a few seconds (1-5)  
3. Use your release word “Break” and walk off the bed encouraging your dog to follow. 
4. Do this 5-15 times.

**Increase your distance away from the bed as your dog’s Place cue gets stronger**

*If at any point for this cue or any cue your dog is not understanding, take a step back and reassess, are you clearly communicating to your dog what you want from them? If not go back to the Basics and try again** 

Add Duration

1. Say “Dog’s Name, Place” guide them to the bed/mat. 
2. Once there wait for them to sit/down and mark with “yes” 
3. Make them stay in that position for 5 seconds than 15 than 20 seconds. 

*Keep increasing and there really is no end time, the longer the better to relax their minds*

Place can be a harder behavior to train. It requires clear, consistent communication the entire time. Although other behaviors require this as well, Place can be simple when you start but when you start to add in distance, duration and distraction is where many fall short.

If at anytime you need help with teaching place you can check out my DIY Training Channel on YouTube. If you are still struggling make sure to contact me.