I post a LOT of videos and photos involving the place command. Dogs learning the place command, how to teach the place command, how to proof the place command, different ways to use the place command, etc. You might be left wondering why I put so much focus on one command? Is it really that important? YES! The place command is nicknamed “the duct tape of dog training” for a reason: it can help with countless behavior issues. Let’s walk through a few examples.
Example #1: The place command can help prevent naughty behaviors.
The place command is super helpful for preventing naughty behaviors like:
Counter-surfing
Trash diving
Chewing inappropriate items
Marking in the house
You might feel tempted to argue that this isn’t really fixing the behavior so much as preventing it, and you’re partially correct. You will still need to say “no” to unwanted behaviors in order for your dog to understand that those behaviors are off limits; however, you’ll also need to clarify what your dog should be doing instead. That’s where the place command is helpful. It gives your dog clear directions on what to do with herself instead of practicing all his naughty habits!
Example #2: The place command can help create a safer dog.
The place command can help prevent your dog from practicing potentially dangerous behaviors such as:
Growling/lunging at or biting your guests
Being nasty with another dog in the house
Dashing out of an open door
As stated above, the place command gives your dog clear instructions on what to do with herself during these high intensity moments. It gives her something to focus on (a “job” to do) and so long as you’re properly advocating for your dog, it creates space between your dog and the person/dog that makes them feel uncomfortable. When safety is a concern, I always recommend using a back tie. The back tie does not hold your dog on the place bed/cot, it just ensures that if she makes a bad choice and breaks command, she doesn’t get very far!
Example #3: The place command can help with manners.
You can also use the place command in situations where you’d like your dog to have better manners. It prevents things like:
Jumping on your guests
Accidentally knocking over small children
Smothering your family members/guests while they’re on the couch or floor (you know what I mean!)
The place command is a proactive strategy you can use to help your dog develop a different pattern of behavior in moments when they’re typically “too much.” When fully trained, the place command is also associated with feelings of calm and relaxation, so it also helps keep the intensity of those moments lower.
Overall, the place command is a fantastic way to help your dog practice good, calm behavior in LOTS of different moments. It gives her a clear job to focus on with clear boundaries, it prevents her from practicing bad/unwanted behaviors, and it helps develop a pattern of calmer behavior. That’s why it’s the duct tape of dog training!
For help teaching your dog the place command, check out my place command videos on YouTube!
