How to teach a dog the “Place” command!

Both you and your dog’s life can be made easier by teaching them the "Place" command. It makes your dog feel safe and gives you more control over their behavior by helping them understand where they should stay. During hectic times at home, you can keep your dog calm and out of the way by using this straightforward command.

It can ease your mind to know that your dog will remain in their proper spot whether you are cooking dinner or entertaining. Positive reinforcement can be used to teach the "Place" command, and most dogs can pick it up quickly with enough practice.

With the help of this guide, you can effectively train your dog and make sure they always understand and comply with the "Place" command. It’s a very useful tool to have in your training toolbox, and your dog will love knowing exactly where they fit in various scenarios.

Step	Description
1. Choose a spot	Select a specific place where your dog will go when given the "Place" command, like a bed or mat.
2. Use a treat	Hold a treat and lead your dog to the chosen spot, then reward them when they arrive.
3. Give the command	Say "Place" as your dog goes to the spot. Repeat this while guiding them with the treat.
4. Increase distance	Start sending your dog to the place from farther away, using the command and treat as motivation.
5. Practice regularly	Repeat the process several times a day to reinforce the command and make it part of your dog"s routine.

Why does an animal need a place?

Sometimes, inexperienced dog owners let their pets sleep anywhere they please. Although such a plan defies logic, it is frequently implemented in real-world situations. The dog needs a spot to retreat to after being disciplined for misbehaving, even if it doesn’t have a permanent place to sleep and relax. However, professional dog handlers are generally very critical of the dog’s habit of sleeping on couches or armchairs, even when the owners are not around.

One crucial step in the adaptation process is adaptation.

A large dog that does not know where it belongs will eventually start acting aggressively toward other family members and neighboring animals because it thinks it is the leader. Only the leader is allowed to occupy the position of his choice in any natural flock.

Without a place to follow, the dog will try to lead

The basic team

The place’s training is part of the essential skills, without which the training program cannot be said to be finished. The team’s reach extends beyond domestic settings, where a well-trained animal can retreat to its designated plot in an apartment or house upon command without causing disturbance to its owners.

Many people have experienced situations involving the arrival of guests and an inconsiderate animal. Family members who live close to the dog will no longer experience discomfort if they adopt the habit of taking the original spot.

Understanding the "Place" command is fundamental.

1. Fulfillment of the OKD competitive standard.
2. Adaptation of a dog to a new place of keeping.
3. Control over the actions of a pet, its excessive activity.
4. Accustoming to living on the street.
5. Protection of the owner"s things.

Overwhelming curiosity can be a cause of anxiety.

A peaceful, designated area where your dog can retreat when needed can be created by teaching them the "Place" command. This command facilitates better behavior management, lessens anxiety in specific circumstances, and eases the owner’s and dog’s daily lives. Any dog can learn this command with time, effort, and encouragement, which will contribute to a more peaceful household.

Training methods

The term "skill" refers to the basic stage, where the dog learns its first movements in response to specific vocal cues from the owner. You should pay attention to the training methods that can be used to arrange classes before thinking about any particular approaches.

Dogs can be approached in a variety of ways. Age, temperament, playfulness, interaction with the owner, and even eating habits are taken into consideration when choosing them.

Temperature, loud noises, bright light, and other external stimuli should be minimized initially and their impact on an individual’s capacity to execute a command should be gradually increased.

Training techniques vary according to temperament

Since every dog is different, it is important to consider its capacity for focus during tasks.

The traits of the owner’s character are considered when selecting a command-mastering strategy. A phlegmatic owner, for instance, will find it challenging to succeed in game training programs, etc.d.

The following table lists the primary techniques that the "place" team can use in conjunction with one another to learn.

Table 1: Available Training Options

Name	Principles	Who is it suitable for
Mechanical	Mechanical stimuli are the basis for consolidating the command knowledge. Among them are negative (for example, a sharp jerk of the leash) and positive (including pleasant stroking).	Animals with a stable psyche, capable of withstanding being held in a stand, jerks, pressure on the croup, flicks on the nose and other unpleasant moments during the training process.
Food	In order for the dog to do what is required of it, the desired action is stimulated with a piece of tasty food. Then the treat is used as praise for a correctly executed command.	Most dogs perceive this method positively.
Imitative	One dog is an example for another.	In the presence of an adult trained dog with which the ward has established a close emotional connection.
Playful	During pleasant and interesting play exercises for the dog, the basics of the skill are formed.	For animals with an active life position, for whom the best praise will be the opportunity to play with a favorite object.
Incentive	During training, the reflex is formed through a set of stimuli, which leads to the desired actions.	Suitable for all pets focused on the owner.

Preference is frequently given to an intricate technique that combines food and mechanical methods.

Following widespread acquisition of the command, the ability is refined and perfected in relation to execution speed and quality. The range of applications is growing to include instances of disobedience, insubordination, etc.

The first stage is returning to the place

If the puppy in question is younger than four months old, you must first teach it to recognize its name and make eye contact. Concurrently, you ought to establish positive connotations with its corner. It should rest and sleep in it for a few peaceful minutes. Simultaneously, as soon as the puppy enters the house and becomes familiar with its surroundings, you must give a firm and authoritative command.

In training, intonation is crucial.

It is sufficient to picture a young child in the puppy’s shoes who has just arrived in a strange place when training a puppy.

The puppy is taken there only after he has eaten or played in order to give him a positive impression of the location. Simultaneously, they murmur "Place." If he gets loose and flees, the exercise is redone, yielding at most a negligible improvement.

The animal needs two to three days to fully comprehend the meaning of the word "Place." Do not panic if, after this period, the dog still isn’t acclimated to it; the process might just take a little longer.

It is not permissible to punish a puppy by sending it somewhere. Additionally, when teaching an animal a command, do not manipulate it physically or mentally while it is in its designated area.

As you go through the training process, have patience.

Should the infant nod off while playing and end up somewhere else, pick it up and move it to its proper spot. A voice command is then given aloud at this point. If the puppy doesn’t want to cooperate, you should pet him and stay close by to help him develop a positive impression of the area.

You can put a sleeping puppy on a bed.

Periodically reinforcing this association can be helpful. This can be done by showing the treat in close proximity to the bed, litter, aviary, or booth, and encouraging the puppy to move into its corner. When the puppy comes when called, the owner should give it attention, give it a pat, and say, "Good, place!" Next, the puppy receives attention once more, with an emphasis on the benefits of training.

This exercise is done multiple times a day so that the puppy starts to understand what the owner is encouraging it to do, indicating the command "Place!"

After that, the task is completed at a distance. To get the puppy to go back to its corner, the owner again performs some intermediate movements while standing close by. Positive reinforcement is given to each successful attempt repeatedly; this is accomplished by giving the puppy treats, loving words, pats, and stroking.

The next step involves giving the animal the command "Place!" and placing a piece of candy next to its territory while encouraging it to explore. It is beneficial if someone holds the puppy and assists its owner. The puppy is encouraged to assume the appropriate positions in the immediate vicinity of the required place after the owner places a treat near the bed in front of the pet and moves on. Afterwards, the puppy will undoubtedly run to see if the treat is close to its sleeping corner when it hears the owner’s voice. Naturally, the pet doesn’t notice the treat.

In order to succeed, repetition is required.

Any puppy can learn to do this. The owner’s patience, the quantity of repetitions, and the format used to consolidate the outcome all play a role in success.

Overall advice: The order should be delivered with a clear, firm voice and accompanying gestures that must be kept up until the directive is obeyed. The pet needs to be as focused as possible right now. There should only be two repetitions of the requirement to visit the location. The secret to progress and success is to finish the exercise without stopping at a minimum result. You must complete the task yourself if the animal refuses to cooperate.

When following a command, the pet typically gets over half way there with ease. When approaching a location, it can slow down and focus on the sources of different impressions, such as sound, smell, and vision. You will need to say "Place" once more in this situation. Should the owner’s attempts prove fruitless, you have the option to lead the puppy to the bed by his collar or, in the worst situation, hold him in your arms.

The primary goal at this stage is to foster a favorable perception.

The ultimate aim of the puppy’s early training sessions is to develop a positive reaction when he moves to his own place and, eventually, to confidently cross the distance to get there.

1. To force the dog to leave the place, do not use physical force. You need to say the command “Come to me”.
2. You should not complicate the training techniques until the basic skill is consolidated.
3. Do not disturb the dog that is in the place, unless there is a good reason for this. All family members should act similarly. The dog"s place should not be accessible to children and guests. Other animals are also not allowed to go there.
4. It is important to maintain the purity of the command, without distorting it. It is permissible to use an imperative gesture that indicates the direction of the dog"s location.
5. You do not need to make excessive demands on your pet, training the execution of the command with endurance. The indicators of the nervous system at 2-3 months do not allow full concentration on a specific type of activity. Before the puppy is 4-5 months old, it is enough to make it go to the place on command, staying there for at least a few seconds. In addition, he should come there himself when there is a need for rest.

Puppies should expect to endure for a few seconds on average.

Getting used to a new place

The second stage is following the instructions

The puppy starts a period of focused training between the ages of five and seven months, during which it must both demonstrate endurance and clearly finish the task. Subsequently, the work gets more intricate and transcends the standard framework. The ability to recognize an object on the street as a place is the last stage at this point.

The dog is trained consistently as part of OKD.

Step 1: The dog remains where it is.

It is necessary to entice the pet to visit the location. Subsequently, the owner gives a treat and issues the command to "Lie down." Then, with your back to the dog, distinctly and loudly say "Place."

At this point, being able to execute the command "Lie down" is essential.

Additionally, the owner has the option to extend his hand in front of him and clap it down. This is executed quickly and with a backhand.

Subsequently, the owner advances slightly and observes the dog’s response. The animal comes back and starts the whole process over if it is not allowed to stay in its designated spot.

When the owner moves a certain distance away and the dog stays put, it is a sign that the lesson has been successful.

The dog needs to stay in its spot.

The best workout is done at a distance of three meters. It is gradually increased to accomplish this. They also extend the time interval in a similar manner. During the initial phases of training, the owner promptly returns after leaving the area. The time interval gets longer in later training phases, up to 15 seconds. The standard states that this is how endurance training’s ultimate objective is accomplished.

Step 2: As long as the dog is three meters away from its destination, it is trained to come.

1. A piece of meat, cheese or other treat should be held in your hand, then say the command “Place!” and take the dog back, encouraging it to take a lying position. After this, say “Good” in a gentle voice and give the piece.
2. With a jerking movement, take the pet by the leash in the neck area with a triple voice command “Place!”, after which the dog goes to its original position. Then it receives a similar command “Lie down” and the earned reward.

Gradually, the distance grows

The animal eventually learns what its owner specifically wants from it. In this instance, merely uttering the command "Place" will cause it to return to its original location and assume a lying position.

Step 3: The dog keeps learning the skill, but now the distance is between 10 and 15 meters.

This step is unique in that the dog won’t be able to hear the owner from a distance. Since raising your voice is generally not advised, the gesture signal—the third method—remains. Tasks can get more challenging after mastering the fundamental ability (take a wait-and-see posture); in addition to the well-known command "Lie down," you can also ask it to sit or speak.

Guard and protection courses will benefit from having the capacity to act on orders. There, the dog is trained to defend the owner’s property and, in an emergency, to launch a defense against the adversary from the enclosed space. Additionally, during demonstration performances, this skill is evaluated.

The dog needs to stay in its spot.

The third stage – identification of the object

The definition of place in OKD standards is more expansive than it is in daily life. Initially, the animal is trained to stay in the bed and to go there when instructed. These abilities are sufficient to control the pet’s behavior at home. During professional training, the dog is trained to remain in a specific location, which can be any spot that the owner designates.

The ultimate objective of the training is to perceive the area as a place when one is close to an object.

1. The dog needs to be fastened to a long leash and forced to take a lying position.
2. A large object familiar to the animal is placed next to it – this can be a bag, backpack, package, etc.. You cannot use things of unfamiliar people or the animal"s belongings as a training object – these include, for example, a bowl, muzzle, favorite toy.
3. The command "Lie down" is repeated, after which you should move away a few steps, take a 3-second pause and command "Come to me". A positive result is reinforced with a treat.

Rudeness and abrupt movements are not permitted during training.

Just like in the first two phases, the owner must be persistent and patient. To consolidate, multiple repetitions will be required. It is your responsibility to make sure the animal goes there unrestrained. The object’s distance from you increases concurrently. The ultimate objective is 15 meters and thirty seconds of endurance, which is what dog trainers should ideally strive for. The animal is given the chance to exit the position after 30 seconds. The training program can include additional external stimuli, such as the presence of people, dogs, cats, loud noises, etc.

The animal needs to go there by itself.

If the dog breaks away from the place and leaves the abandoned thing, it is imperative to return the pet to its original position with the command "Place, place!". The second problem that may arise at this stage is related to the fact that the animal does not want to return to the place without an escort. In order to solve this problem, you need to call the dog that remained to guard the object, sit it down next to you and say the command "Wait". Then they give her a treat and go to the place to leave a piece there too. At the final stage, the command “Place” is voiced!», and if the dog successfully completes it, approaching the designated thing, it receives a reward.

Training an adult dog

A dog does not necessarily mean it has lost all ability or that it cannot learn the basics if it is brought to its owner as an adult and lacks the basic training skills.

Like a puppy, such a dog must first be trained to a place. The first time, when bringing the animal to a rug or bedding, you need to say the command out loud – clearly and in a stern voice. In order for the pet to get used to it, you need to stay close to it, encourage it to lie down. A positive result is reinforced, after which the owner leaves the training area. In most cases, the animal is unable to sit still and follows him. Then the technique is repeated again. If the pet does not understand what is required of it, it must be taken to the bed by force, but without rudeness and aggression.

An elderly dog can pick up simple commands.

Mature dog training follows the same basic structure as puppy training: the task gets harder and harder over time. Size or breed of the animal is irrelevant. After mastering the fundamentals, one should move on to the new requirements.

The sole distinction is that adult dogs are more adept at understanding the incentive method, which is applied with the use of a clicker device.

The clicker’s sound causes the dog to react.

The device’s second name, a clicker, accurately describes how it works when translated from English. If you can’t find such a device at a pet shop or veterinary pharmacy, you can use your fingers to produce the same sounds.

The basic idea behind the method is that the dog hears a click when it obeys a command and then gets a tasty morsel as reinforcement. It establishes a direct link between the treat, the sound signal, and the voice command.

Furthermore, an adult dog does not always need to be kept in environments with the fewest possible outside stimuli because of its age. It is imperative that you start working in a natural setting right away.

Adult animals receive training in their natural habitat.

Features of the OKD standard

There are dog owners who plan to compete in specific events where their pets’ talents and abilities are compared based on a set of standards. When practicing the "Place" command, keep in mind that a location adjacent to a protected object does not guarantee success. The dog must make the appropriate contact with the object indicated. You can use the following scheme to make sure the dog always obeys the command correctly:

1. In the selected limited area where the owner"s things are located, they stipulate the availability of a place.
2. The corresponding command is given clearly and distinctly by voice.
3. If the animal reacts adequately, the things are moved away from it by 50 cm.
4. The command is repeated, and the pet will receive a treat only after it makes an attempt to approach the object (crawl, move towards it).

Repeat several times with positive reinforcement until the dog instantly lies down next to the object and touches it tightly.

Video – Teaching the "Place" command!

Rewards during training

You must choose a treat that a puppy or adult dog will find most appealing when making your selection. You can maximize your training results in this way. You can consult the list that follows:

Table 2: Scrumptious prizes

Meat from chickens, such as fillets, hearts, and stomachs

Candies and chocolate are among the items on the list of forbidden foods in the training diet.

Each person chooses the products they want to be rewarded with.

1. The size of the piece should not be more than half a centimeter. During training, feeding is not carried out, but training to perform certain actions. In addition, small portions are easy to swallow.
2. The treat should not make the pet feel thirsty. Otherwise, instead of training, the dog will think about drinking.
3. The treat should be more attractive to the animal than the types of food it receives with its usual daily ration.

Treats should be carried and stored in a container that the owner looks after. This could be a hip bag, a tiny purse or bag that fastens to the belt, etc.

Giving the dog treats that are properly cut is simple.

1. An open palm is extended to it, like a horse. This keeps the animal from biting and will not allow it to grab a finger or other part of the hand. If this measure does not help, you should put on a glove first.
2. The second option, which is used when training a skill, is to make the animal hunt for prey a little. In this case, the hand is raised to such a level that the dog can reach it from a stand on its hind legs, or jump to it.
3. During training, use a static position, when the treat is placed directly in the mouth. This is necessary so that the dog remains in place and does not move.

If the animal is bored, instead of food, you can use a game reward

If the animal prefers fun games to food, you can use them as a way to relieve tension and praise for the correct execution of exercises. The first option is to play with a ball, the size of which should be large enough so that the dog does not choke. You can throw a toy, urging it to bring it back. You can give your pet the opportunity to chase a ball or use a ball on a rope. The second option is to buy a tug toy in a pet store, with the help of which the dog can not only have fun, but also measure strength with the owner (within certain limits). Instead of a ready-made toy, you can use fabric or rope. One way or another, the owner needs to be able to control the will and emotions of the dog so that the game does not turn into a real fight.

You can direct the animal’s focus to a preferred toy.

Your pet should only receive its favorite toys during training so that it learns to value them. They won’t motivate if that’s the case.

Choosing a place

1. The bed is not exposed to direct sunlight.
2. There is no radiator near the place, and the floor should not be cold – comfortable temperature conditions are mandatory.
3. The pet can often see the owner.
4. There is access to other rooms from the bed – in the first few months, it is better to make the puppy understand that the entire territory is common. Otherwise, it will begin to perceive the closed room as its property and will begin to guard it.
5. There should be no dangerous objects near the dog"s sleeping place – shelves with heavy objects, wires, etc..
6. The place should be permanent. You cannot move it (especially with the appearance of a small child in the house, which in itself causes jealousy in the animal). On the other hand, the animal should also have an alternative place. It will be needed in case of sanitization, washing and other procedures during which the dog will not be able to stay on its bed.
7. A mandatory requirement for a dog"s place is accessibility for cleaning.

For a dog, moving to a new location is important.

In order to determine whether the sleeping and resting area has been selected appropriately, the owner should place all of the puppy’s toys on its territory, take a seat next to it, and count the number of irritants in the area. Look for another space if the current one is too noisy, people are running around, the floor is too hot or cold, and you have to get up frequently to get to the rest of the family.

A lot of considerations are made before deciding on a location.

Arrangement of the place

Except in the summer, service dogs must reside in kennels with straw on the floor. This has nothing repugnant about it. Standards for hygienic practices are thus fulfilled. A working animal does not require excesses that make maintaining its sleeping quarters more difficult. There may be variations for other breeds.

There are service and security animals set up outdoors.

Three groups comprise the most popular bed modifications for animals with four legs.

Group 1: Round or oval spaces having sides. These sleeping bags are appropriate for dogs who are curling up. For example, the mattress or bedding that the pet will sleep on is put in a wicker basket.

Comfortable spot with a side

Hard frame with a soft bed inside

Group 2: Mattress-shaped loungers. This is the best choice for large-framed dogs. Although you can arrange for a soft back and sides, a dog that exhibits guard dog traits will generally benefit greatly from having a general overview of the area. As a result, a raised surface is frequently used to install this kind of mattress-bed.

Pet mattress

Group 3: foam-filled houses. Sleeping in a soft house is preferred by animals who are prone to loneliness and small breed dogs.

A canine enclosure composed of supple materials

There are various materials that can be used for the base that houses the dog’s bed, such as wood or plastic. The animal’s size and the elements’ accessibility for cleaning are the primary requirements. The bed itself must meet the same requirements: the cover and mattress must be easily removed, cleaned, vacuumed, etc. Another crucial factor is the structure’s strength. In the process of acclimating to its new surroundings, the pet may rake the inner bedding under itself, spin around in search of a cozy sleeping spot, or even intentionally cause damage.

Wooden dog bed for little dogs

Preparing the place yourself

To save money on purchases, the bed can be sewn to fit the needs of the pet in every way. Patterns exist for a large number of models.

The savings will be greater if the resting place is composed of an inner section and a frame.

1. Accuracy of dimensions.
2. Independent selection of materials with the desired characteristics – color, texture, lack of allergies, density, wear resistance, etc..
3. The model fits perfectly into the surrounding environment (if it is in an apartment or inside a house).
4. Compliance with the habits and disposition of the animal.

It’s a good idea to select fabric for the bed that is either entirely natural or has a natural basis. Wool or cashmere can be used to sew a winter pillowcase; cotton, thick calico, or linen work well in the summer. Hay or premium foam rubber work well as fillers. Feathers and down can serve as a haven for bacteria.

An animal finds it uncomfortable to sleep in a small space.

1. When choosing sizes, take into account the size of an adult dog, since puppies grow very quickly.
2. Sharp corners are, if possible, covered with fabric with maximum density so that the animal does not chew them.
3. If your dog likes to stretch out in his sleep, you should think about a more spacious bed. An important requirement is comfort.

Example 1. Round bed

First and foremost, the animal’s owner must choose the size of the bed. With its legs spread wide, the dog ought to be able to fit on it. Next, draw an oval or round shape for the bed’s bottom on a piece of paper, and then draw another circle for the sides around the first shape.

The height of the sides determines how much separates them, but it can vary from 20 to 25 centimeters on average.

A circular shape is a wise decision.

When the blank is finished, it is folded with the front sides and placed on the back of the fabric. Seam allowances of 1-2 cm are taken into consideration when cutting out the parts. The cloth is then stitched around the bottom’s perimeter after being gathered inside with the back side.

For the bottom, a separate pillow is sewn.

Towards the end, a seam is positioned 5–6 cm from the part’s edge, leaving a 10-15 cm unstitched section. It is then filled, and the product is stitched together. A pillowcase with a bigger diameter is also cut out.

Bottom shaped like a cushion

To add fluff and softness, the sides can be constructed from individual pillows.

Example 2. Rectangular sleeping place

As in the first option, the dimensions of the bed depend on the dimensions of the dog. The finished pattern of the soft bed is transferred to the fabric from the inside. Similarly to the previous pattern, the material is folded with the front sides and, taking into account the allowances, the cutting details are cut out. For the sides, you can prepare four cuts or one solid rectangular piece. Sewing is carried out along the edges, while the corners remain free. They are turned inside out and then seams are made along the perimeter of the bottom-base. If insulation in the form of a pillow is not provided, you can seal the bottom with filler, as well as the sides, into which zippers are additionally sewn so that it can be removed.

Weekly dusting and debris removal from the animal’s sleeping area is part of caring for it. Additionally, it’s imperative to treat the bed for parasites and wash the pillowcases and covers once a month. At minimum, the mattress is cleaned and dried every six months. The mattress is replaced with a new one or dry cleaned using special products if the animal became ill or gave birth.

Place to sleep in a tiny room

Setting up a place to sleep is usually not too difficult if there is enough room in the home, apartment, or on the street. You can set up a bed in the lower section of the closet wall without harming the animal’s interior, mental, or physical state in a small space. Taking out the door from the bedside table or chest of drawers’ bottom drawer is the second choice. In case the furniture is outdated, this will prolong its lifespan. Dogs love to hide, so the animal will also receive the essential seclusion and sense of security.

Let’s look at step-by-step instructions for building houses for both domestic and street dogs in one of our articles.

One of the most useful tricks for controlling behavior and fostering a peaceful home environment is teaching your dog the "Place" command. It offers your dog a sense of security and a place to unwind while also assisting them in understanding boundaries.

Consistency and patience are essential. Repetition and positive reinforcement are key for dogs to learn, so it’s critical to maintain composure and give them praise when they behave well. Begin with brief training sessions and progressively extend the duration of your dog’s time spent in their assigned "place."

Recall that each dog develops at a different rate. Don’t give up if the progress seems to be taking a while. Your dog will eventually become proficient with the "Place" command, which will simplify things for you both.

Video on the topic

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