Single-skill lesson · Updated September 2026
How to teach
the "place" command.
"Place" sends your dog to one specific spot — often a raised platform or bed — and asks them to stay there until released. It's especially useful at the front door, during meals, or whenever you need your dog reliably out of the way. This is a full, staged lesson plan for teaching it from scratch.
Written by the TailorPup team, updated September 2026. See our editorial approach.
What you'll need
- A raised platform or cot-style bed in a fixed location — the clear physical edges make the target spot easy to understand
- Small, soft, high-value treats you can deliver quickly on the platform itself
- A clicker or a consistent marker word like "yes" to mark the moment all four paws land on the spot
- A release word like "okay" that consistently means the place cue is over
Step by step
This lesson is built around the distance, duration, and distraction framework: you only add one variable at a time, and you go back a stage the moment your dog starts failing.
Stage 1 — luring onto the platform
With your dog right next to the platform, lure them onto it with a treat. The instant all four paws are on the surface, mark and reward directly on the platform, not off of it. Repeat several times so your dog starts associating the spot itself with rewards, then introduce the word "place" right before the lure.
Stage 2 — adding duration on the spot
Once your dog steps onto the platform on cue, start rewarding for staying there a beat longer each time — one second, then five, then longer — before using your release word and letting them step off. This teaches "place" as a hold, not just a quick touch-and-go.
Stage 3 — sending from a distance
Start giving the cue from a step away instead of standing right next to the platform, gradually increasing the distance you send your dog from. Practice from different angles in the room too, since dogs often need to relearn that the spot means the same thing no matter which direction they approach it from.
Stage 4 — proofing for real situations
Practice sending your dog to place when the doorbell rings, when food is being prepared, or when guests arrive — the real situations where this cue earns its keep. Reward generously for holding the spot through these distractions, and if your dog breaks position, calmly reset them rather than repeating the cue over and over.
Common problems and fixes
My dog jumps off the platform right after getting on
Go back to stage 2 and reward more frequently for staying, building duration back up in small increments rather than expecting a long hold too soon.
My dog won't go to place when I send them from across the room
This is a distance gap. Go back to stage 3 and shrink the distance to a size your dog can succeed at, building back up gradually rather than jumping straight to a full-room send.
My dog breaks position the moment the doorbell rings
Doorbells are a big distraction. Practice with a recorded doorbell sound at a low volume first, gradually working up to the real thing, and reward heavily for holding the spot through the disruption.
FAQ
What is the difference between "place" and "settle on a mat"?
"Settle" is a general relaxation skill, often on a portable mat you bring with you. "Place" is tied to one fixed spot and used situationally, like at the door or during meals. See the settle on a mat guide for the portable version.
Do I need a special platform for "place" training?
A raised platform or cot-style bed is common because its clear physical edges make the target spot easier to learn, but a flat bed in a fixed spot works too, especially once the cue is established.
How far away can I send my dog to "place"?
With enough practice, many dogs can be sent from across a room or another room, but this takes gradual, staged practice. Start close and only add distance once the cue is reliable.
One cue down.
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