How to Build a Strong Place Command, by Ethan McMahon Dog Training on YouTube. 2 min 55 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 55 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Put a bed or mat in a quiet corner and use the same one every session. Your dog needs to link that one object with lying down and staying.
Stand beside the bed with treats in your hand. Hold a treat at your dog's nose and lure them until all four paws are on the mat.
The second all four paws land on the bed, say a calm yes or click, then give the treat. Timing matters more than the word you pick.
Ask for a down on the bed. Wait until elbows and belly touch the mat before you pay, so lying down becomes the job.
Say place just before your dog steps onto the mat. Reward from your pocket rather than your hand so the bed, not the treat, brings them.
Build the stay one second at a time. Reward a calm lie down, then release with a clear word like free or break.
Step one pace away from the bed and return. Pay only if your dog is still down, then add a step each session.
Add distractions such as food on the floor or a squeaky toy. If your dog breaks, go back to a shorter stay and an easier setup.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep sessions to two or three minutes so your dog stays successful and keen.
Reward the lie down, not just the release, or your dog will learn to pop up early for the treat.
Say the place cue once and wait. Repeating it teaches your dog that the first word means nothing.
Practise in different rooms and outdoors once the bed cue is solid at home.
Questions
What if my dog will not lie down on the bed?
Lure the down with a treat tucked under your hand and moved slowly toward the mat. If your dog still stands, reward any calm pause on the bed first and add the down over a few sessions.
How long should my dog hold the place command?
Start with a few seconds and build up over weeks. A reliable five minute stay with you across the room is a realistic long term goal for most pet dogs.
Do I need a clicker?
No. A short marker word like yes works just as well as long as you say it the moment your dog gets it right and always follow with a treat.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
