The PLACE command

 PLACE command is helpful because it starts to create structure in the household. It gives the dog an area that they are required to stay in without anyone bothering them, and gives the human a leadership position because you are controlling their actions. Training the PLACE command is one of the best exercises for learning impulse control. 

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Training PLACE:
PLACE command, with gradual duration- minutes into hours.

Any time I am on the computer, doing dishes, watching TV, making or having a meal are ideal times for the dog to practice PLACE. Always be sure the dog had plenty of breed specific exercise, and out to potty before asking for duration on PLACE.

I train PLACE command using a raised dog cot. Because it takes more effort for the dog to step down off the cot to break command, instead of just walking off a mat or blanket.  After the dog is conditioned to PLACE command any object can be used as PLACE.  I don’t use the dogs crate as PLACE, as even with the door open it is a physical barrier- the object of PLACE is to mentally control the dogs actions, not by using a physical wall. 

Rules of PLACE are no whining, no barking, no getting off cot without a break word, no cheating (touching the ground with a paw).  Dog can have a bone or safe chew toy.  If the dog does get off immediately put them right back on.  Be more consistent than they are persistent.

To train PLACE I first put a leash and flat buckle or martingale collar on the dog. I’ll walk the dog up so it lines up with the cot, and encourage the dog to step up on to the cot. If the dog is too fearful to walk up on the cot I will turn the cot over, making it it easier/less stressful for the dog, then once it overcomes it’s fear I can turn the cot right side up again. *If needed I will use their daily food to lure a very fearful dog onto the upside down cot. 

Have the dog walk up on and off the cot the first few times. Now that the dog is comfortable with getting on and off the cot I will use light leash pressure to stop the dog from walking off once on the cot. Spacial pressure ( standing in front of the dog) can also help the dog understand we want them to stay on there.  

Now I can name it and give a verbal command of PLACE while leading the dog up. I will now also use a release word of BREAK for when the exercise is over and the dog is allowed to leave the cot. 
Practice several times so the dog gets the idea of what PLACE is, and that he is not to leave without a release word first. PLACE is a supervised exercise, I often use a tie back to a solid object like a door handle or use a short leash at first so the dog cannot just get off the cot and walk away. The tie back/leash is removed once the dog is solid with the command.  
A baby monitor can also be used to view the dog while in another room, and correct them if they decide to break before being given the command to do so.  

While the dog is on PLACE I will occasionally go over and put a piece of the dogs meal on the cot for them, and give a verbal GOOD PLACE so the dog understands I haven’t forgotten about him over there. 😊. 

The dog should always be advocated for while on PLACE - other animals and people should not be allowed to bother the dog on PLACE.

It’s best NOT to stare directly at the dog while they are on PLACE, as this can be interpreted by the dog as you want them to come to you. Try and watch the dog out of the corner of your eye whenever possible in order to set the dog up for success. 

Proof often in different locations, and gradually add more difficult distractions.
The dog learns to become calm because there really isn’t anything else they can do, and they know they can relax because the human is advocating for them and won’t allow other animals/humans to bother them while they are there. It takes a lot of pressure off the dog to not have to worry at all while there.

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