How to Teach the Place Command: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Started with Place Command Training

The place command teaches your dog to go to a specific spot and stay there until released. Start with a clearly defined area like a dog bed, mat, or towel that's at least 2x3 feet – big enough for your dog to lie down comfortably but small enough to create clear boundaries.

I've found that dogs typically master this command within 2-3 weeks of consistent daily practice, though some pick it up in just a few days while others need a full month. The key is making the "place" positive and rewarding from day one.

Step-by-Step Training Process

Week 1: Building the Foundation

Day 1-3: Introduce the Place

1. Place high-value treats on the mat while your dog watches
2. When they step onto the mat to get treats, immediately say "place" and praise enthusiastically
3. Let them eat and leave naturally – no pressure to stay yet
4. Repeat 10-15 times per session, 2-3 sessions daily

Day 4-7: Add the Verbal Cue

1. Hold treats in your hand and say "place" while pointing to the mat
2. When they step on, mark with "yes!" and reward on the mat
3. If they don't go within 5 seconds, toss a treat onto the mat and try again
4. Practice for 5-10 minutes at a time

Week 2: Adding Duration

Once your dog consistently goes to the mat on command, start building stay duration:

1. Give the "place" command
2. When they're on the mat, wait 2-3 seconds before treating
3. Gradually increase to 10 seconds, then 30 seconds
4. Always release with a clear "okay" or "free" before they leave

I tell my clients to increase duration by just 5-10 seconds every few days. Rushing this phase is the biggest mistake I see – dogs need time to understand that staying earns more rewards than leaving.

Week 3: Distance and Distractions

Start practicing from different distances and with mild distractions:

• Send your dog to place from 3 feet away, then 6 feet, then across the room
• Practice with the TV on, kids playing nearby, or during meal prep
• Have family members walk past the place area
• Work up to 2-3 minute stays with distractions

What If It's Not Working?

About 30% of my clients run into roadblocks during place training. Here's how I troubleshoot the most common issues:

Dog won't go to the mat: Your treats might not be motivating enough, or the mat might be in a poor location. Try using chicken, cheese, or whatever makes your dog's eyes light up. Move the mat to a quieter area away from high-traffic zones.

Dog goes but won't stay: You're likely asking for too much duration too quickly. Drop back to 1-2 second stays and rebuild slowly. Some dogs need 3-4 weeks just to reach 30-second stays comfortably.

Dog seems anxious on the mat: This usually means you've added pressure too early. Go back to just rewarding for stepping on the mat with no stay requirement. Make sure you're using a release word – dogs need to know when they're "done."

Common Training Mistakes

In my 15 years of training, I've seen these mistakes derail place command training more than anything else:

• Using the place as punishment: Never send your dog to their place when they're in trouble. It should always be positive
• Inconsistent release words: Pick "okay," "free," or "break" and stick with it. Mixed signals confuse dogs
• Practicing only when convenient: Training during calm moments is easy, but dogs need practice with real-life distractions
• Forgetting to reward on the place: Always deliver treats while the dog is on the mat, not after they come to you

Breed and Age Considerations

Different dogs learn place command at different rates based on their genetics and life stage:

High-energy breeds like Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers often struggle with the "stay" portion initially. They pick up the "go to place" part quickly but need extra patience building duration. I typically add puzzle toys or chews to keep their minds busy.

Giant breeds like Great Danes and Saint Bernards usually excel at place command because they naturally enjoy having a designated rest spot. Just make sure their place is large enough and has good joint support.

Puppies under 4 months can learn to go to their place but shouldn't be expected to stay longer than their age in minutes (3-month-old puppy = 3-minute maximum). Their attention spans and bladder control aren't developed enough for longer sessions.

Senior dogs often take 3-4 weeks longer to master place command, but they tend to be more reliable once they understand it. They may need softer bedding and shorter training sessions due to joint issues.

Making Place Command Practical

The real value of place command shows up in daily life situations. I teach my clients to use it for:

• Doorbell management – send the dog to place instead of dealing with jumping on guests
• Mealtime boundaries – dogs learn to wait patiently while family eats
• Grooming and vet visits – having a portable mat creates familiarity in new environments
• Multi-dog households – each dog gets their own place to prevent resource guarding

The most successful families practice place command 2-3 times daily and use it in real situations within the first week of training. Dogs learn faster when they understand the practical application.

Advanced Place Command Skills

Once your dog masters basic place command, you can build on this foundation:

Multiple places: Teach your dog to go to different mats or beds throughout the house using specific names like "kitchen place" or "living room place."

Automatic place: Some dogs learn to go to their place automatically when the doorbell rings or when you start cooking dinner.

Place with duration: Working dogs and competition dogs can learn to hold place command for 30+ minutes with significant distractions.

Remember, every dog progresses at their own pace. I've seen some Labrador Retrievers master place command in a week, while it took a reactive German Shepherd mix nearly two months to feel comfortable staying on her mat for more than 30 seconds. The key is consistency and keeping sessions positive.

For personalized guidance tailored to your dog's specific challenges and learning style, our AI Dog Trainer can provide customized training plans and troubleshooting tips based on your dog's breed, age, and current skill level.