How to Teach The Place Command

The place command is an essential tool in the training arsenal of any puppy owner, enabling them to establish control over their furry friend's movements both indoors and outdoors. 

As a pet parent, it's natural to wonder how you can teach your puppy to occupy their own space while you attend to household chores, prepare meals, engage in exercise routines, or simply require a bit of personal time. The place command offers a simple yet effective solution, allowing you to designate a specific area where your puppy can settle down for a desired period of time. Whether it's their cozy bed, an elevated platform, a designated place board, or even a comfortable yoga mat, finding the right spot is key. By following the three simple steps listed and explained below, you can successfully teach your puppy the place command and allow them to understand and respect their designated area.

Step #1

The first step in teaching the place command involves using a training treat to lure your puppy over to the designated area while simultaneously saying the word "place" and pointing to the desired spot. It's important to only use the word "place" during this step, allowing your puppy to decide what they want to do once they reach the designated area. The focus here is on associating the word "place" with the act of your puppy standing, sitting, or lying down on the designated spot.

Step #2

Once your puppy has all four paws in the designated area, it's time to reinforce the behavior. Use a marker word like "yes" or a clicker to indicate that they have successfully followed the command, followed by rewarding them with a food treat. Remember that reinforcing their behavior needs to be immediate so that the puppy understands that in that instant, they have performed the right act. Repeat this process approximately 10 to 20 times before proceeding to the next step to ensure that your puppy has a good understanding of what they are supposed to do. This repetition helps your puppy understand the correlation between the command "place" and the desired action, which will strengthen their connection to the designated area. 

Step #3

As your puppy becomes more familiar with the place command, you can gradually introduce distance between yourself and the designated spot. Start by standing approximately 5 feet away from the place and commanding your puppy to "place" while pointing towards the area. When your puppy successfully reaches the designated spot from a further distance, reinforce the behavior with a marker word and reward. Over time, increase the distance between yourself and the place in increments of 5 feet or more, consistently reinforcing the command and rewarding your puppy for following it. Patience and repetition are the keys to success with this command.

By patiently and consistently practicing these steps, you will instill in your puppy a clear understanding of the place command. Not only does this provide a practical solution for times when you need your puppy to stay in their own space, but it also establishes boundaries and reinforces discipline, something that puppies need to succeed. The place command empowers you as a pet owner to create a harmonious living environment where your puppy knows their designated area and respects it, promoting a sense of security and well-being for both you and your new puppy!

This podcast was written by Catherine Wilson