Training a Dog “Place”

When teaching dogs a “place” cue, you’re teaching them to place or target their bodies onto an object, such as a mat. There are so many uses for “place.” Here are just a couple of them:

• Lying on a mat teaches young dogs how to settle down.
• Great place for your dog to relax during family meals or when guests visit.

How to Teach a Dog “Place” Cue

You’ll need lots of tiny and yummy treats plus a clicker. If your dog is new to clicker training, I suggest attaching a six-foot leash to his collar. This keeps him with you until he learns the meaning of a clicker.

Choose a non-skid and comfy mat that hasn’t been used before as you’ll pick it up after each training session. The reason you pick up the mat after each training session is to ensure your dog is not practicing when you’re not around to reward his behavior. Good mats include yoga mats, bathroom rugs and small area rugs. About two-thirds of your dog’s body should fit on the mat.

Once “place” is on cue, meaning your dog will walk over and stand on the mat when given the cue, then you can transfer it to his bed.

Step 1: Teaching a Dog to Walk Over to Mat

Goals: 1) Dog walks toward the mat. 2) Dog places one foot on the mat.

• Place mat in front of your feet and stand still. Look down at the mat and say nothing. Refrain from pointing at the mat. We want your dog or puppy to think here.
• More than likely, your dog will either sit or stare at you, as he’s learned sitting usually works for treats. Don’t say anything. Just wait for your dog to touch the mat with one foot.
• As his foot touches the mat, click and reset your dog.
• After the training session, pick up the mat and store in a shelf.
• Continue to click and treat for one foot touching the mat, and practice short sessions (five times in a row) for one to two days.

Goal: Dog places two feet on the mat.

• Place mat on the ground in front of your feet.
• Now wait for your dog to touch two feet on the mat. This means wait a second or two as your dog places both feet on the mat, then click and treat.
• Reset and try again.
• Practice short sessions (five times in a row) for one to two days.
• Don’t forget to pick up the mat after each session.

Step Two: Keep Feet on Mat Longer

Goal: Dog keeps paws on mat longer (duration aka time).

• Place mat down in front of your feet.
• Once your dog touches the mat with his feet, wait one second before clicking and treating. To keep track of one second, say “one Mississippi” to yourself–that’s one second.
• Reset and try again.
• After five sessions, pick up the mat and practice again later. Continue to practice for a day or two.

Step Three: Add “Place” Cue

Goal: Dog walks over and puts feet on mat when given “place” cue.

• As you drop mat down in front of your feet, say “place.”
• Click and treat when he touches his one or two paws on the mat. Since you’re adding a cue, don’t worry about duration. This will come later.
• The moment your dog turns back and looks at you, say “place.” You’re pairing the word “place” with “walk over and touch mat” behavior so make sure he’s looking at you and not distracted by looking for fallen treats. You want his full attention before saying the cue.
• Keep practicing. You may notice after a few successful attempts, he may sit in front of the mat instead of touching it. He’s trying different things out. 🙂 Wait for him to touch the mat with his paw. It may take a one or two seconds, but it’s worth it. He’s thinking!
• Pick up the mat.
• Keep sessions short and practice for a few days.
• Move to the last step once your dog will walk over and stand on mat when given “place” cue.

Last Step: Transfer “Place” Cue to Bed

• As you’re placing your dog’s bed down in front of your feet, say “place.”
• Practice several times using his bed in place of the mat.

READ ALSO: Keep Dog Training Sessions Short