Place Command Mastery

Teach Your Protection Dog to Stay Calm and Focused Anywhere! 🐾🏡

Does your dog zoom around when guests arrive? 🏃‍♂️
Do you wish they’d just chill on a bed or mat? 😅
The “Place” command is your new best friend! 🐶🎯

Training your protection dog to understand and master the Place command is one of the smartest moves you can make. It builds calmness, control, confidence, and it works in nearly every real-life situation, from visitors at the door to high-stress distractions in public. 😇

At https://protectiondogss.com, every one of our fully trained protection dogs learns the “Place” command. Why? Because it’s a foundation of good behavior and tactical safety, especially when you need your dog to pause and stay focused. 💼🛡️

Now, we’ll teach you:

  • What “Place” means
  • Why it’s ESSENTIAL for protection dogs
  • How to teach it step by step
  • Troubleshooting common problems
  • Advanced drills for total mastery
  • Real-life examples from Our Company’s elite training
  • FAQs and tools you’ll love 📋🐕‍🦺

🧠 What Is the “Place” Command?

“Place” means:
👉 Go to a designated object (like a mat or cot)
👉 Stay there calmly until released

It’s not just “go lie down.” It’s an active behavior of controlled waiting. 🧘‍♂️

A good “Place” command teaches your dog:

  • Boundaries 🚧
  • Impulse control 🛑
  • Focus under pressure 🎯
  • Calmness when life gets loud 🎉

You can use it on:

  • Beds 🛏️
  • Cots 🛋️
  • Rugs 🧼
  • Crates 🏠
  • Towels in a hotel room 🧳
  • Car mats 🚗
  • Park benches 🪑

If you point and say “Place,” your dog should go there, lie down, and chill out. No sneaking off. No whining. No barking. Just 👏 calm 👏 excellence 👏.

🛡️ Why Place Matters for Protection Dogs

A trained protection dog must be as controlled as they are courageous. 🐕‍🦺🔥
That’s where the “Place” command becomes GOLD.

Here’s what it does for you:

BenefitWhy It Matters
Creates calm in chaosPerfect for doorbells, dinner guests, noisy toddlers
Strengthens impulse controlTeaches the dog to wait even when excited or triggered
Improves safetyKeeps the dog out of the way when you need space
Helps with stress recoveryAfter alerting or guarding, Place brings them back to balance
Supports multi-handler lifeKids, guests, or sitters can use Place to manage the dog safely

This is especially important for big, powerful breeds like Belgian Malinois, Dobermans, Cane Corsos, and Rottweilers. These working dogs thrive with jobs—and Place gives them a healthy job when you need peace. ✨

Our fully trained dogs at https://protectiondogss.com/dogs-for-sale practice this command every single day during handler protection drills and realistic threat scenarios.

📚 How to Teach the Place Command – Step by Step

You don’t need a fancy trainer to start “Place”—you just need structure and consistency! 🧱

🛏️ Step 1: Choose a “Place”

Pick an item with a boundary:

  • Dog cot
  • Blanket
  • Rug
  • Foldable mat

Avoid soft, cushy beds for now. You want structure!

🎯 Step 2: Lure Onto Place

Say “Place” and toss a treat onto the spot.
When your dog steps on, mark with “Yes!” and treat again.
Repeat 10–15 times. 🧀🐕

📏 Step 3: Add Duration

Once your dog goes to “Place” easily, have them lie down.
Start with 5 seconds. Then 10. Then 30. Work up to 2–3 minutes.
Release with “Free!” or “Break!” 🎉

🚪 Step 4: Add Distractions

Ring the doorbell. Bounce a ball. Walk around.
Each time they stay, reward them calmly.

🧠 Step 5: Generalize It

Move the Place item around your house. Try it:

  • In the kitchen 🍽️
  • At the front door 🚪
  • In the backyard 🌳
  • At a friend’s house 🏡

Use it before mealtimes, door knocks, and during your TV shows 📺

❗Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Even great dogs get wiggly or confused sometimes. 🐕😬
Here’s what to look out for:

MistakeWhat It Looks LikeHow to Fix It
Dog gets up earlyStands up or walks offCalmly say “No,” guide back, and reset the timer
Dog whines or barksVocal while in PlaceIgnore unless it escalates—only reward calm
You reward too lateDog gets off before treatUse your marker (“Yes!”) WHILE they’re calm on Place
Lack of release wordDog unsure when they’re freeAlways end with a cue like “Break!” or “Free!”

💡Tip: If your dog struggles with impulse control, check out Proofing Under Distraction for advanced help!

🏆 Advanced Place Mastery Drills

Once your dog knows “Place,” make it BOMB-PROOF with these fun challenges:

1. Place to Place

Set up 2–3 cots or mats. Send them from one to another using just hand signals. 🖐️

2. Long Distance Place

From across the yard or room, point and say “Place.”
Use a long leash at first. Great prep for Long-Distance Recall!

3. Doorbell Rush

Have someone ring the bell. Your dog must go to Place and hold until released.

4. Crate to Place

Send your dog from inside a crate directly to Place.
Perfect for advanced home control and crate training.

5. Guests + Food Temptations

Put a steak on the table 🍖
Invite a friend over 👋
Can your dog stay calmly on Place for 10 minutes? That’s MASTER LEVEL!

🧳 Using Place When Traveling

Protection dogs travel with you, whether on road trips or flights. ✈️🚙

The “Place” command gives them comfort and purpose:

  • In a hotel lobby? Use a towel as Place
  • On a plane? Their crate becomes Place
  • At Grandma’s house? Grab a mat!

Before you go, read our travel guides like:

💼 Our Company’s Elite “Place” Training System

Every dog we sell at https://protectiondogss.com trains with real-world “Place” challenges, including:

Want help building this command with your own dog?
We offer:

🧠 Place Command Progress Table

LevelTime on PlaceDistance from DogDistractions
Beginner10 seconds1–2 ftNone
Intermediate2–5 mins5–10 ftTV, low sounds
Advanced10+ mins20+ ftDoorbell, guests, toys
Mastery20+ minsOut of sightMultiple distractions, duration, change of Place

🙋‍♀️ FAQ – Mastering the Place Command

1. When should I start teaching “Place”?

As early as 8–10 weeks! Puppies learn fast with structure. Use small mats and short sessions. 🐾

2. What if my dog won’t stay?

Go back to shorter durations. Use a leash if needed. Reward calm behavior and reset without yelling.

3. Can older dogs learn “Place” too?

Absolutely! Even senior dogs can benefit. Just modify sessions for comfort. See our Senior Dog Care post.

4. Is “Place” good for anxious dogs?

Yes! It gives them a calming focus. Pair it with Noise Desensitization and predictable routines.

5. What should I say to release them?

Any clear word works! We like “Break” or “Free.” Don’t forget to say it every time.

6. Can my kids use this command too?

Yes, but supervise and keep it simple! Kids LOVE giving the “Place” cue and rewarding success.

7. What if my dog leaves Place during protection training?

Not to worry. We proof for that! Our Handler Protection Drills include “Place to Re-engage” routines that teach control under pressure.

8. Do your dogs already know Place when I buy one?

Yes! Every trained dog from https://protectiondogss.com comes with full Place command understanding at basic and intermediate levels, and we’ll help you maintain it!

🐶 Ready to Master the “Place” Command?

The “Place” command is one of the simplest but MOST powerful tools in your training toolbox. 🧰
Whether you’re raising a puppy, managing a high-drive adult, or preparing for serious protection work, it all starts with Place. 🎓🐾

✅ Builds calmness
✅ Boosts safety
✅ Reduces chaos
✅ Keeps everyone in control

If you need help mastering it, we’re here. 💼
Whether you’re buying a fully trained dog or building your dog’s skills step-by-step, we’ve got your back with support, services, and world-class protection dogs.

Explore:

Let’s get your dog on their “Place” today! 🐕‍🦺🛏️