The holidays are hectic enough without having to manage your dog’s behavior every time the doorbell rings or food hits the table. Whether it’s guests arriving or food temptations, place training is one of the most valuable commands you can teach your dog to help maintain control and reduce stress during these high-energy times.
Place training, or teaching your dog to go to a designated spot and stay there, gives your dog a clear role when things get chaotic. Instead of rushing the door or begging at the table, your dog knows exactly where to go and what’s expected. It’s not only practical for everyday life, but it’s especially useful during the holidays.
The Benefits of Place Training
This isn’t just about getting your dog to stay put—it’s about giving them structure, helping them relax, and creating a clear boundary between what they can and can’t do. When you teach your dog to go to a “place,” you’re providing them with a predictable routine that cuts down on unwanted behaviors like:
Bolting to the door: You can stop that habit of rushing to the door the minute someone knocks.
Begging at the table: Instead of circling the dinner table, your dog stays in their designated spot.
Jumping on guests: Having your dog stay in place when guests arrive reduces overexcitement and unwanted jumping.
Training your dog to go to their place gives you peace of mind and helps your dog understand their role. They stay focused on the task, and you can manage the situation with less frustration. It’s also a huge relief for your guests—they won’t have to worry about getting jumped on or your dog hovering around during dinner.
How Place Training Helps During the Holidays
Let’s paint the picture: The doorbell rings, and instead of your dog charging ahead, barking, or jumping, they calmly go to their bed. When the food comes out, they don’t linger near the table, hoping for scraps—they stay in place, relaxed and out of the way. The holiday season can be a lot, but with place training, your dog doesn’t have to add to the chaos.
The holidays should be enjoyable for you and your dog, and place training is one of the easiest ways to make that happen. It keeps them calm and focused, making your life a
lot less stressful.
Here are five quick steps to teach your dog "place":
1. Choose a Designated Spot Pick a specific place, like a dog bed or mat, where you want your dog to go on command. This spot should be comfortable and easy for them to reach.
2. Introduce the Command Guide your dog to the spot, using a leash if necessary, and say “Place” in a calm, confident tone. As soon as they step on it, reward them with a treat or praise.
3. Reward and Release Once they’re on the spot, mark the behavior by saying “Yes” or “Good,” then reward. Use a release word like “OK” or “Free” to signal that they can leave the spot, and encourage them to move away.
4. Increase Duration Gradually Start with a few seconds of staying on the spot, then gradually increase the time before rewarding. If they move off before you give the release, calmly guide them back to the spot.
5. Add Distractions Once they can stay on their spot reliably, add distractions—like light movements or small noises. Gradually increase these distractions to make sure they stay in place even when things get more exciting.
Repeat these steps consistently, and soon your dog will confidently stay in their "place" when asked!
Want More Guidance to Learn Place Training and More?
If you’re ready to teach your dog place training and finally get control over the chaos, my Online Pack Leadership Course covers everything you need to know. Here’s what you’ll get:
Over 2 hours of live training video, including how to teach your dog to “go to bed” (place training).
PDF training guides to reinforce everything you learn.
A deep dive into leadership vs. dominance theory—understanding the difference is key to effective training.
Solutions for stopping your dog from bolting out the door and creating door boundaries.
How to keep your dog from jumping on you and your guests.
Tips on preventing unwanted behaviors like barking, chewing, and counter surfing.
How to create a well-balanced relationship with your dog based on respect and structure.
Techniques for training multiple dogs in the same household.
As the industry leader in canine training, behavior, and psychology, I’ll guide you step by step to get real, lasting results with your dog. I focus on helping you develop a relationship with your dog that’s based on clear communication and leadership, not just quick fixes.
Don’t Let the Holidays Become a Hassle
The holidays should be a time to enjoy, not a time to stress about your dog’s behavior. Place training is just the start of what you can achieve with the right guidance. Join my Online Pack Leadership Course today, and you’ll learn the skills to handle your dog like a pro, no matter what the holidays throw your way.
Ready to take control? Click here to get started now.
If you have questions, I’m here to help. I want you and your dog to succeed, and I’m confident you’ll see results when you commit to training the right way.
Cheers,
Antonio Diaz
Leader of the Pack K9 Training
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