Teaching Your Dog the 'Place' Command: A Guide to Keeping Your Dog Safe and Content
When your hands are full, the last thing you need is your pup running around your feet, risking accidents. Busy days at home mean hustling between rooms without time to shuffle around your pup, who seems to be attached to your hip. It would be helpful if your pup knew to stay in one place for a few minutes while you get your tasks done – but of course, they can't learn this all on their own. To prevent any stepped-on paws or fumbling while you're moving around your home, try teaching your pup the command "Place" to help keep them in a safe spot.
How to teach "Place":
Choose a spot to be your dog's "place" and draw attention to it. Lead your dog with treats to associate their place with good things. Throw a couple of treats on their place randomly to reinforce the positive association. If your pup goes to their place on their own, reward them with treats.
Once your pup is familiar with their spot, introduce the cue word you'll use to indicate you want them to go there. "Place" is a common choice. Whenever you lead your pup to their spot, say the cue word and reward them when they sit there.
After some practice, try saying the cue word from different areas around your home to see if they go there on their own. When they do, reward them with treats.
If you want your dog to remain in their place for an extended period, add a release word. When your pup is in their place, say the release word and hold a treat away from them. Once all their paws are off their place, reward them.
Practice with your pup, increasing the distance between you and them in their place when you say the release word. You can also start adding more commands when your dog is in their place. Having your dog lay down is a common addition, especially if your goal is to get them to relax and stay put for a while.
Teaching your pup the "Place" command can be a game-changer for your daily routine, especially during busy times. With patience and practice, your pup will learn to stay in their designated spot, keeping them safe and out of the way when needed. This command not only helps with managing your pup's behavior but also strengthens your bond as you work together to learn this new skill. So, next time you're juggling tasks around the house, give the "Place" command a try and enjoy a more peaceful and organized environment with your furry friend!
Happy Training!
