One of the most important things we can teach our dogs, when we first begin training, is the “place” command. “Place” is important because it helps us in teaching our dogs boundaries, self-control, attention and focus. Without these basics, we can never have a truly well mannered dog.

What could be used as a “place”?

“Place” is something, anything that is distinguishably different from the surrounding area, something that has defined boundaries. A doggie-bed is a great example for the beginner, since it is something that most dogs are familiar with. However, you really are only limited by your imagination on what a “place” can be. The wider varieties of “place” you introduce your dog to, the better understanding of the “place” concept your dog will have.

What is “place” useful for?

“Place” is useful for many situations or in tandem with other goals in training. You can teach your dog most commands using “place” as a preliminary tool. But initially, we will discuss using it as a boundary. As a place for our dogs to go to, chill-out and exercise some self-control. Most dog owners see their dogs as members of their family, companions. A well mannered dog does not have to be put outside or in another room when company arrives. A well mannered dog does not have to be put away if you choose to have a BBQ, afraid the dog will injure itself or steal the food.
The “place” as a command (on any object) is useful for situations such as the following. Most dogs go ballistic and seem a little crazy when company comes over or someone rings the doorbell. “Placing” the dog at times like this will alleviate the stress or excitement levels your dog is experiencing by helping it concentrate in the task at hand, the “place”.

Using “place” as a command initially. (What does it mean?)

Initially, we will use the “place” as a boundary. When you begin to teach the “place”, it shouldn’t matter if the dog is sitting, standing or knitting a sweater while they are on that “place”, as long as all four paws are within that boundary and it is staying there on its own accord, without physically binding it to the “place”. If we continually restrain our dogs where we want them to stay, whether by leash or other means, we will not allow them to learn and will always have to rely on those restraints to keep our dog under control. This is where using a “place” (an object with defined boundaries) becomes effective. If we cannot keep our dog’s attention, we cannot teach our dog or show our dog what we want from them. The “place” command helps the dog learn what attention means to you, by learning to wait for its release. Once we have the attention desired, we will define what we mean by sit, down, wait, etc… After all, your dog should do whatever you tell it to, until you release it to do something else, (stay implied).

Using “place” as a tool.

As stated before, you can pretty much teach all commands using “place” as a precursor (tool). After all, it is just a boundary for training purposes, in the real world; it’s not practical to have a place-board wherever you go. Teaching the “place” using many different items (place boards, rocks, chairs, floor mats, etc.) allows you to provide your dog a tool to help control its energy. The “place” can be used as a target in teaching the heel and also utilized in teaching directional work. The “place” can be used as a boundary to perfect the sit/stay, down/stay or pretty much anything else you would need your dog to stay for.

For more information on the “place” command and other general dog training questions, contact your local Sit Means Sit dog trainer.

Thank you.