How do I train my dog to place

If you’ve ever had friends over and watched your dog turn into a blur of energy—jumping on laps, stealing shoes, or barking at every sound—you’ve probably wished for a way to hit “pause” on the chaos. Last month, my friend Carlos faced this with his 1-year-old Australian Shepherd, Bella, whose excitement at visitors left him apologizing instead of socializing. Then he learned about “place” training: teaching Bella to go to her mat and stay there, no matter what’s happening around her. In weeks, Bella went from wild to calm, trotting to her mat when Carlos said “place” and waiting happily for treats. Training “place” isn’t just about obedience—it’s about giving your dog a clear job, turning stress into success using trust and rewards.

“Place” training works because dogs thrive on clear cues and positive outcomes. At its core, it teaches your dog to associate a specific spot (like a mat, bed, or crate) with safety and rewards. Their brains are wired to repeat behaviors that bring good things, so when Bella reached her mat and got a treat, she learned “this spot = good stuff, I should stay here.” Veterinarian Dr. Kim in Denver explains: “Dogs feel secure when they know what’s expected. ‘Place’ gives them a role—‘go here, stay here’—which reduces anxiety in busy moments, whether it’s kids running around or the doorbell ringing.” This works for all breeds, from tiny Chihuahuas to large German Shepherds, because it taps into their natural instinct to seek out safe, predictable spaces.

Start with the right setup. Pick a “place” item: a soft mat, a raised bed, or even a towel—something your dog can easily recognize. Carlos chose a 3x4 foot fleece mat for Bella, placing it in the living room corner (not by the door or food bowl, to avoid distractions). Let your dog sniff it freely at first—no pressure. When Bella first stepped on her mat, Carlos waited, and when she sat down (even for a second), he gave her a tiny piece of freeze-dried salmon, said “Good place!” in a cheerful voice, and petted her gently. That mix of treat, praise, and touch made her want to stay. Start small: 10 seconds of staying, then 30 seconds, then 2 minutes. If she got up, Carlos didn’t scold—he just walked over, lured her back with a treat, and rewarded her for trying. By week two, she’d stay for 5 minutes, even with the TV on.

As your dog gets better, add distractions to “proof” the behavior. Clap your hands softly, drop a toy, or have a family member walk by. When Bella stayed seated through Carlos dropping her favorite ball, she got an extra treat and a “Wow, amazing!” This teaches them the “place” rule applies even when things get exciting. Remember: never drag or push your dog to their spot—fear will make them avoid it. And always reward effort, not just perfection. If your puppy stays for 2 seconds instead of 5, celebrate that win—progress, not perfection, builds confidence.

Living in an apartment makes “place” training extra useful. Keep the “place” spot in a quiet corner (away from noisy appliances or busy walkways) to help your dog focus, keeping neighbors happy with less barking or scrambling. For puppies still getting their vaccine shots (required by law in all states to protect against parvovirus), “place” training provides mental exercise when outdoor walks are limited. When walks resume, always pack poop bags—good manners start at home, and cleaning up after your dog is your legal and neighborly duty in cities like Chicago or Seattle. And never use “place” as punishment—shoving your dog there when they’re in trouble turns it into a “bad spot,” undoing all your hard work.

Carlos now smiles when guests arrive: Bella runs to her mat at the first “place,” tail wagging, waiting for her treat. She still sneaks a playful nudge now and then, but the difference is clear—she’s calm, confident, and part of the fun instead of disrupting it. “Place” training, at its best, is a conversation: you say “this is your job,” and they say “I’ve got this, and I’ll do it because I trust you.”