There’s no shortage of advice on what puppies should learn in their early months. Most of the time, the focus is on the basics—house training, crate training, chewing, and socialization. While those skills are absolutely important, there’s more to raising a well-rounded puppy than just the essentials.
Beyond the basics, there are behaviors that not only help your puppy right now but also set them up for a smooth transition into adolescence and adulthood. These practical skills build confidence, predictability, and impulse control—foundations that make life with your dog easier and more enjoyable.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing a series of blogs highlighting key skills that every puppy can benefit from. Today, we’re starting with one of the most versatile and useful: the “place” command.
What Is the “Place” Command?
The “place” command teaches your dog to go to a designated spot—such as a bed, blanket, or mat—and stay there until you give them permission to leave. This skill is incredibly helpful both at home and on the go. It gives your dog a clear, predictable target while creating calm structure in your daily routine.
Why Use the “Place” Command?
The beauty of this command is in its practicality. Here are a few ways you might use it in everyday life:
- Greeting guests: Prevent jumping by sending your dog to their mat when people come in.
- Mealtimes: Teach your dog to settle calmly while the family eats.
- Busy moments: Give your dog a job when you’re cooking, working, or answering the door.
- Training focus: Practice impulse control and teach your dog to relax on cue.
- Out and about: Bring a portable mat to patios, parks, or training classes to create a familiar “safe zone” anywhere you go.
Over time, “place” becomes more than just a command—it becomes a tool to create balance, calm, and structure in your dog’s life.
Getting Started
- Choose a dog bed, mat, or blanket to use as your dog’s designated “place.”
- With your dog on leash, stand next to the spot and give the cue, “place.”
- Walk parallel to the mat so your dog naturally follows.
- As soon as two paws touch the mat, mark the behavior with a cheerful “good dog!” and reward with a treat placed on the mat.
- Use your release word—such as “okay”—and guide your dog off.
- Repeat several times until your dog begins to connect the cue with the action.
The leash should only guide your dog gently. Never pull or drag them onto the mat. If your dog can learn this without a leash, that’s even better—it encourages them to take full ownership of the behavior.
Building the Behavior
- As your dog gets the hang of it, wait for all four paws to be on the mat before rewarding.
- Pause a few seconds after giving the cue to see if your dog will move to the mat on their own.
- Reward generously when they do, then gradually increase the distance between you and the mat.
- Once your dog is consistent, remove the leash and practice freely.
- Change up the location of the mat to generalize the behavior. Each new spot may require a few reminders, but with consistency, your dog will learn that “place” means the mat—not just a corner of the room.
Pro tip: Put the mat away when you’re not practicing so your dog learns to associate it specifically with the training cue.
Key Reminders
- Say the command once—then guide if needed.
- Keep your leash pressure soft and gentle.
- Reward only when paws are on the mat (start with two, progress to four).
- Place treats directly on the mat to strengthen the association.
- Always give a release word to let your dog know they’re free.
- Gradually increase distance and distractions as your dog improves.
- Practice in different locations for reliability.
Final Thoughts
With patience and consistency, the “place” command becomes one of the most powerful tools in your training toolkit. It gives your dog a predictable, safe spot to relax and gives you peace of mind knowing they can settle when needed. More than that, it builds impulse control and trust—two qualities that will serve your dog well throughout their life.