Teaching the PLACE command, Against All Odds
Teaching your dog basic commands is beneficial to both you and your dog. Basic safety, manners, and building listening skills are byproducts of a well taught dog. Along with the handful of standard obedience commands a dog should know the “place” command. What is the “place” command? It could be considered the elite of the “stay” command. Why? Because you are actually training your dog to “stay” on a specific “thing.” This allows your dog to be included in your daily life outside the crate but in the same room as you. It eliminates begging while eating meals, allowing children to play with toys, and many other reasons of our daily living. It’s a vital command if you plan to take your dog on outings that involve lots of people and/or other dogs. Teaching your dog that he does not get to greet everyone or every dog is also beneficial to successful and uneventful outings. We will talk about a neutral dog in another article.
Training your dog to adhere to “place” is easier if your dog already knows some commands because it could be considered just an adjustment to an existing command. However, if you’re just starting out with your training and jump right into the “place” command, that’s okay too; it can be taught on its own.
Once your dog understands and obeys the “place” command, you can take him just about anywhere without fear that he will wander off into areas that he shouldn’t. It is also helpful to use “place” when your dog is meeting a new person and tends to get excited. Instead of jumping on someone, your dog can be greeted on their “place” by the person in question (this involves training the guests as well).
Immobile Commands
It is important for your dog to learn how to be in one place for extended periods of time. I personally do not use the place command in the house to ask a dog to remain for hours. Certainly while I am cooking or eating my meals, and definitely not for punishment. You can teach your dog a variety of immobile commands such as sit, stay, lay down, or anything else that means not moving. This is helpful when it comes time to teach your dog to stay on a “place” because he already knows the behavior you are expecting from him. Now, you are just telling them where you want him to do that particular action. It is not expected for your dog to lay down all the time on the place. He can stand, sit or lay down, what you don't want is for the dog to leave the place while under the command. There is no set rule of which hand signal you should use, but be CONSISTENT. When you want the dog to go to his or her place, make the exact same motion while pointing to the place. Remember, dogs read body language before they hear verbal language.
What is a “Place?”
A place is an area that you create for your dog. It stands out from the rest of the floor, but it does not have to be anything special. Some people use a board or a mat, but you can use a small blanket, towel, or something similar. As you teach your dog the 'place' command, use varied objects with different heights. This will ensure success when you are out and about and did not bring the place object with you.
Benefits of the Place Command
Once your dog learns to stay in place until you indicate that he can leave it, they can go anywhere with you. The method is similar to a crate in that the dog understands that the designated “place” is his own personal place—it is where he belongs—but is also where others don’t belong. In fact, when you are out and about, your dog may go to the place whenever he or she feels uncomfortable, because he considers it a safe place.
• Use it to keep your dog from running out the door when it opens.
• Introduce guests without overwhelming them or the dog.
• Sit outside without fear of the dog wandering away.
Teaching Place
If your dog already knows “sit” or “stay,” simply use that command with the dog bed or whatever you’ve designated as the physical place. Towels and blankets tend to bunch under the dog when you are beginning this command, therefore use something solid and appropriate for the size of the dog. If your dog normally sits in front of you when you use the sit command, put the place in front of you and reward them with a treat for sniffing it, touching it to start. I like something slightly elevated to start this, not something flat on the floor.
In situations where this is completely new territory, use the place command and reward your dog for even touching the place with a paw. Build up gradually. The more of their body they put on the place, the bigger the reward. I use my voice to increase the 'payload' of the treat. Continue encouraging your pet while he sits on the place. If they leave the place without permission, do not reward them for going back on it or it will become a game to them. When starting out, be sure that the place is big enough for the dog’s entire body. You can decrease the size as the dog gets more confident.
Once you and your dog have mastered “place,” the adventures you are able to share will expand. A dog who knows to get on his place and stay there until you tell him to move is welcome in a variety of places so you can enjoy having your best friend by your side more often.