There are 3 steps and 3 phases to this command before you will proficient.  We will walk through all steps and phases so you and your dog understand what the expectation is.

Overview

Place – Get on an object and stay on it.

This command will teach your dog impulse control, work on the stay in command and help when your dog makes mistakes.

 

Step 1 – lure your dog into position

With your dog on leash, and then with a treat in that hand, lure your dog onto a lower stable object and reward once all 4 feet are on it.  If they are scared of the object, reward a few times for simply getting near, or putting their front feet onto object.  Once your dog is comfortable getting onto the object to get rewarded, then we will start using the command “Place” when they get all 4 feet onto object.

 

Step 2 – Step away from your dog while they are on object

As your dog is now getting onto the object easily, now we will work on the stay portion.  Simply take a few steps away from your dog (while holding their leash in hand) and if they stay on the object, come back in reward them and mark the command “Place” again.  This will help them learn what the command means.   Your dog can sit, lay down or stand while they are in “Place”, the choice is theirs.  As you continue to step away and the dog comes out of command, say “No” (non emotional) and lure or use leash to get them back on the object (no payment).  If they stay, come back in and reward.  As you continue this, drop the leash, walk further away and return to reward.

 

Step 3 – Add Duration and Distractions

Now your dog should be getting good at getting on the object and staying for a little bit, now we will add duration (how long they are staying on object) and Distractions (anything that would bring the dog out of command).  For duration, simply put your dog on “Place” and do something nearby (We cook, clean, fold laundry anything you need to do) If the dogs stays, every few minutes go reward them (calmly now as you want them to stay there) and walk away and back to what you were doing.  If the dog comes out of command, say “No” and put them back on “Place” without reward.  As your adding time (get good at doing 30+min at one time) and your dog will become calmer faster as you work this command. Now add distractions, this can be anything from a toy, opening a cupboard, freezer, door to you sitting down on chair or couch with the dog on “Place”.  All these are temptations for the dog to come out of command.  If they do, put them back on “Place” without reward or praise.  If they stay during the distraction, reward them intermittently.   Keeping adding time to how long they stay on command and add distractions as they get more consistent with it.   Work this a few times of day when you can and try to have your dog “Place” during a full meal (prep, cook, eat and clean up)

 

Step 4 – Release from command

When can the dog come out of the “Place” command?  The answer is when you tell them they can!  To create a release command (we use “Break”), at any point your dog is on “Place” and doing well, say “Break” (happily and with some energy) and the dog will walk off and come to you, now you will give them a reward, love and praise….make them feel good for the work they just did.   This can be after 30 seconds or after 90 minutes, the choice is yours…start small and teach them what “Break” means.   This is the only time they can come out of command and be free.  Once they get their reward, you can put them back in command or if the session is over, let them be free.

 

 

Phase 1 – Live Life on leash

In the 1st phase of this command, your dog should always be on leash, this allows you to fix them if they come out of command and help guide them back on easier.

 

 

Phase 2 – Try off leash once they are doing well

In Phase 2 your dog should go to “Place” upon command, they should stay on “Place” without breaking the command and should be able to do it with mild/medium distractions and for as long as you ask them to be there.  Now, you can try it off leash inside and keep adding higher distractions….  Trying having your dog “Place” when guests come over so they cannot jump on them or rush the front door.  Try to have them “Place” while you host a party, in a work meeting, while watching TV…

 

Phase 3 – Anything can become a “Place”

In Phase 3 you are now adding other objects, “Place” is get on an object, and you get to ask them to get on anything (that they physically can).  Start the process over with the new object, it should only take a couple of tries before they get it and stay on new object.  Once they get it, reward and ask them to go back on it….after a few tries you will see the dog willingly get back onto that object on their own as you instruct them.  Keep choosing new objects to try (laundry basket, storage bin, toilet seat, bathtub, scale at vets office, chairs…etc)

During the entire steps/phases – you can be rewarding your dog verbally and giving praise.  You should do this when your dog is giving you effort (they are attempting to do it) as it will help them understand and want to keep going.

 

How to apply this from inside to outside:

Your dog has been doing well and now your ready to train outside.  Keep the process short to begin so you and your dog have the most success.