Place & Calmness
The "place" command is a versatile and powerful tool in dog training. It helps your dog learn to settle in a specific spot, promoting calm behavior and providing a sense of security. Additionally, the place command is invaluable for desensitization, as it allows your dog to observe and gradually become comfortable with various stimuli from a safe distance. In this blog post, we'll guide you through teaching the place command, explain the calmness stages, and emphasize the importance of maintaining the command until released.
Why the Place Command is Important
The place command serves multiple purposes:
Promotes Calm Behavior: Encourages your dog to relax in a designated spot.
Manages Excitement: Helps control overexcited behavior during greetings, meals, and other high-energy moments.
Aids in Desensitization: Provides a safe space for your dog to gradually get used to new stimuli.
Teaching the Place Command
Step 1: Choose the Place
Select a specific spot for your dog to go to, such as a mat, bed, or designated area. Make sure it’s a comfortable and quiet place.
Step 2: Introduce the Place
Lead your dog to the designated place using a treat.
As your dog steps onto the mat or bed, say the command "place"
Reward them with a treat when all four paws are on the mat.
Then say “release'“ as you walk the dog off the mat.
Repeat this several times until your dog associates the command with going to the specific spot.
Step 3: Encourage Calmness
Once your dog is comfortable going to the place, focus on encouraging calmness without commanding specific body positions.
Reward your dog as they naturally move through the calmness stages: standing, sitting, lying down, and dropping their head.
The key is to reinforce the choice to relax, rather than commanding your dog into a rigid position.
Step 4: Maintain the Command
Establish the expectation that your dog must stay in place until released.
If your dog gets up and leaves the place before being released, gently pick up the leash and use leash pressure to guide your dog back to the designated area.
Release the pressure as soon as all four paws are back on the place.
If you have to guide them back on. do not continue reinforcing them.
Wait for your dog to be calm before releasing them, and try again.
Step 5: Increase Duration
Focus on getting your dog calm in place before increasing duration.
Gradually increase the duration your dog stays in the place while maintaining calmness.
Count in your head while standing right next to the dog giving a treat after 2 seconds, then after 3 seconds, and so on.
Continue to reward your dog as they move through the calmness stages, encouraging them to settle down and remain calm for longer periods.
Step 6: Add Distance
Once your dog is reliably calm and staying in the place for extended periods, start adding distance.
Begin by taking 1 step away, if your dog chooses to stay in place, step towards the dog and reward them in place.
gradually increase the distance (1 step, then 2 steps, then 3 steps away…) while continuing to reward your dog for staying in place calmly.
Step 7: Introduce Distractions
Only after your dog has mastered duration and distance, introduce distractions.
Practice the place command in different environments with varying levels of distractions.
Use toys, noises, and other stimuli to test your dog's ability to stay in place.
Reward your dog for staying calm and remaining in the place despite distractions.
Calmness Stages
Standing: When your dog first goes to the place, they may stand. Reward them for being in the place.
Sitting: As your dog starts to relax, they may sit. Reward this choice to sit.
Lying Down: Further relaxation may lead your dog to lie down. Reward them for lying down.
Dropping the Head: The ultimate sign of calmness is when your dog drops their head while lying down. Reward this deeply relaxed state.
By encouraging your dog to move naturally through these stages, you promote a more relaxed and calm behavior without creating rigidity.
Using Place for Desensitization
The place command is a valuable tool for desensitizing your dog to various stimuli:
Identify Triggers: Determine what stimuli or situations cause your dog to become anxious or excited.
Gradual Exposure: Use the place command to keep your dog in a calm state while gradually exposing them to the trigger from a distance.
Reward Calmness: Continuously reward your dog for staying calm in the place as they are exposed to the trigger.
Close the Gap: Gradually decrease the distance to the trigger as your dog remains calm.
Conclusion
Teaching the place command is a fundamental skill that can greatly improve your dog's behavior and overall well-being. By promoting calmness and providing a secure spot for your dog, you can manage excitement, reduce anxiety, and effectively desensitize your dog to various stimuli. Remember to maintain the expectation of staying in place until released, and use leash pressure to guide your dog back if they leave prematurely. Consistent practice and positive reinforcement will help your dog master the place command, leading to a more relaxed and well-behaved companion. Next week, we will explore the opposite side of the energy spectrum by learning how to stimulate and enrich our pets!