A "Place" cue refers to using a visual marker,
such as a blanket, bed, or towel, to have our
dogs lay down on and settle in until further notice.
By using a visual marker, like a blanket, when teaching a Place cue, it enables our dogs to generalize the expected behavior more easily, making things like settling down at a new brunch spot patio a breeze.
Teaching a 'Place' cue:
Identify your Place marker (a small blanket, bed, or towel works well. Keep in mind you will likely prefer this Place marker be easily moved and transported as we will need to proof this skill.)
Using treats, lure your dog onto the place marker, saying "Yes!" as their four paws
step on it. Quickly follow this up with a treat or piece of kibble. (If your dog is clicker trained, you can couple your "Yes" marker word with a click of the clicker as well.)
Reinforce with praise and treats when your dog stays on the mat.
If/when they leave the mat, begin the process again, luring them to the Place marker, saying YES! or clicking as their 4 paws hit it to mark the behavior and release a treat/piece of kibble. As they stay on the mat, continue praising and rewarding calmly but enthusiastically. (Calm, quiet tones but lots of praise and rewarding to build duration.)
Next time you lure them on to the mat, lure or cue them into a Down (laying down, belly to blanket,) on the Place marker. The second they hit the Down, say YES! Place!!!" and reward. Repeat this several times, helping them understand that Place+ laying down on the mat
To gradually increase the duration they stay on the mat, space out the time between rewards. If/ when they move from the mat, guide them back and begin the process again. If at any point they appear frustrated, start to regress, or aren't having fun, you can throw a piece of kibble away and tell them to "Go Find!" to help them reset and move the energy in their bodies before re-engaging in the Place training.
Introduce distractions gradually while maintaining their position on the mat. This might be turning on the TV, talking to another human, playing on your phone and appearing disengaged, etc. Remember: Dogs do not generalize well. We MUST proof their skills to enable them to be consistent. (Read more about proofing here: https://www.choosetoliveengaged.com/post/proofing-what-it-is-why-it-s-a-crucial-component-in-your-pups-training ) You can even help your dog generalize the Place cue to an area you point to, without the visual marker of a blanket/towel/mat/bed/etc after some time. Example: When Penny Grace and I hike and we come upon someone else on the trail, I ask her to Place on a spot up and out of the way, usually a tree trunk, rock, or other surface.
Practice regularly to reinforce the behavior and maintain consistency. Without proofing, our dogs will not be able to generalize this cue, so proof, and proof often!
Troubleshooting tips: If your dog is having difficulty settling into Place and/or building duration in this cue:
...you can tether them to limit their options. Example: Clip their leash to a stationary piece of furniture that will not move if they pull, limiting their options to the Place marker and surrounding area. Begin the exercise as outlined above.
...you can offer them a soothing activity to stay busy and help them settle into their Place. Examples: Lickimats, Lickibowls, a chew, a snuffle mat, a puzzle bowl, a frozen Kong.
....decrease the distractions. Start in a familiar, low stimulation environment. The more sounds, smells, and sights around, the more likely your dog is to be distracted and stimulated by these things. Make the game as easy as possible to set your dog up for success and building confidence while learning and then slowly add challenge to help them proof their skills.
Want some help teaching your dog Place? Schedule a private training session today!
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