Among the handful of standard obedience commands a dog should know, the “place” command is one of the most helpful. What is the “place” command? It could be considered a step above the “stay” command, because you’re actually training your dog to “stay” on a specific “thing.” It’s a vital command if you plan to take your dog on outings that involve lots of people and/or other dogs.

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.

Immobile Commands

It is important for your dog to learn how to be in one place for extended periods of time. 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. For that reason, it will be helpful if the “place” command is similar but not the same as the “stay” command. For instance, if you are using hand gestures, you might flatten your hand and make a tapping motion with it to indicate sit or stay. When you want the dog to go to his or her place, make the exact same motion while pointing to the place.

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. Eventually, you will want to use something small like a washcloth so you can carry it with you easily and put your dog in “place” when you are out and about.

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