When you teach the ‘place’ command there are three parts:
1- Go to the place
2- Lie down in the place
3- Stay in the place
I like to use a dog bed or mat to teach this behavior. Start out with your dog on a leash. Get your dog close to the bed. Give the command ‘place’ as you indicate the bed. If the dog doesn’t go to the bed use the leash to communicate what you want. Keep saying place as you tug the dog in the direction of the bed.
Once your dog is on the bed the next step is having him lie down. If he doesn’t go down right away use the leash again to communicate that you want the dog to lie down. Say ‘place’ as you give little tugs in the direction of the floor.
Now the goal is to have the dog stay. If he gets up before you ask him to, simply use the leash to tug him back onto the bed. When he gets back on and lies down praise him verbally. Keep enforcing the three parts of the behavior. Again, at any time that he breaks any of the three parts use the leash to communicate what you want as you repeat the ‘place’ command.
As you continue being consistent with this command you will eventually be able to wean the dog off the use of the leash. Gradually increase the distance and the time that your dog is staying in his place. Soon it will be a very functional command to have your dog calm and under control in the house.
