Training your dog properly is essential for building a strong relationship and making your life easier. Sometimes, you need your dog to go to a specific location, whether it’s their bed, outdoors, or another room in your house.
The “Place” command, like other obedience commands, can be easily taught using verbal cues and positive reinforcement. With practice, your dog will quickly learn where you want them to go and will happily comply. Let’s explore how to teach your dog the “Place” command.
The 3 Steps to Teach Your Dog the “Place” Command
1. Introduce the Verbal Cue
Begin by putting your dog on a leash and standing a short distance from their bed. Use the verbal cue “Place” to direct your dog to go to their bed. You can pat the bed to guide them if needed. When your dog reaches the bed or designated area, reward them with a pat on the head, a treat, or both.
2. Redirect If Needed
If your dog tries to leave before you give another command, say “No” and guide them back to their bed.
3. Practice Consistently
Continue practicing the “Place” command until your dog automatically goes to their bed or the specified area after hearing the cue. Initially, your dog may only stay in place for about 10 seconds, but with practice, this duration can increase. Well-trained dogs may remain in the “place” until given another command. It may take your dog 2 to 4 weeks to fully grasp the command.
Additional Training Tips
Start Training Early
It’s best not to delay training your dog after bringing them home. Training may take longer if you wait. While puppies have short attention spans, they can learn commands within the first few weeks.
Some types of training, like potty training, may be ineffective before puppies are 11-16 weeks old when they gain better bladder control.
Use Treats for Motivation
Dogs are motivated by treats and will respond well to them during training. Treats can reinforce good behavior and encourage desired actions.
You can even use treat-dispensing cameras to reward your dog’s good behavior when you’re not home. While treats should not be the sole motivator for behavior, they can aid in building positive behaviors and trust.
Minimize Distractions
Distractions can hinder training progress. To maintain your dog’s focus, eliminate potential distractions like toys, noise, and other pets during training sessions.
Keep training sessions short, ideally between 10 and 15 minutes, to prevent your dog from becoming bored or distracted.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key to successful training. Dogs learn best through repetitive routines and clear rewards. Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and rest to help your dog learn quickly.
Experiment with different training methods to find what works best for your dog. Clicker training, for instance, provides a clear audio cue paired with rewards, helping your dog associate correct responses with commands.
In Conclusion
Training, when done correctly, can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. Introducing the “Place” command to your dog is simple with consistency and a clear reward system.
Sources
- McCann Dogs
- Gallant
- Preventive Vet
Featured Image Credit: Jamie Street, Unsplash
