Place Training Tool — Go to Place & Settle
Teach a reliable “Place” cue (go to mat/bed/cot) using short, positive sessions. Track reps and streaks, adjust duration → distance → distractions, and export your log.
🛰️ Place Training Mission Console
Rep Controls
Criteria
Progress order: Duration → Distance → Distraction.
Session
Why this tool helps
Builds a calm default
“Place” teaches your dog to relax on a defined spot (mat, bed, raised cot). By tracking reps and auto-adjusting difficulty, you’ll layer skills without guessing.
Science-based workflow
Short, predictable sessions leverage positive reinforcement and operant conditioning (behavior → consequence). Clean marker timing pairs with classical conditioning so the mat becomes a feel-good place.
Prevents problem spirals
Stationing reduces door chaos, counter surfing, crowding kids, and nuisance greetings. Because you pay on the mat, your dog learns that calm earns access to fun.
Also called: go to mat, go to bed, place command, settle on a dog cot, boundary place, stationing.
Step-by-Step Training Plan
Start easy, end on wins, and move one axis at a time. Most households see strong results with multiple 2–6 minute missions.
| Stage | Goal | Handler Actions | Advance when… |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1) Find the Mat | Dog steps on mat happily | Place mat down → toss treat onto mat → dog eats → toss off → repeat. Add “Place” cue as they move. | Dog goes to mat quickly for 6–8 reps |
| 2) Short Settles | 1–5s calm on mat | Mark calm (both front feet still) → pay low on mat. Add release word, then invite off. | 3 wins in a row at 3–5s |
| 3) Grow Duration | 10–30s calmly | Increase by 2–5s after every 3 consecutive passes. Pay intermittently on the mat. | 3 wins at target duration |
| 4) Add Distance | Handler takes steps away | Start at arm’s length; step out/back. If dog breaks, reduce by 30–50%. | 3 wins at 3–10ft |
| 5) Add Distractions | L1–L3 environment | Door knocks, toy on floor, family movement. Only one new variable at a time. | 3 wins per level |
Tip: feed directly on the mat to “magnetize” it; use the release word to end the behavior (don’t reward breaking).
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Dog leaves early
- Reduce duration by ~30–50% and notch an easier win.
- Feed on the mat, low and calm. Avoid exciting tosses.
- Release first, then invite off.
Stalls before going to mat
- Refresh Stage 1: treat on/off mat to drive movement.
- Use targeting (touch your hand, then lead to mat).
Breaks when you step away
- Grow distance separately from duration (one axis only).
- Return sooner, mark calm, pay, then release.
Over-arousal on the mat
- Use calmer rewards (scatter or slow feed on mat).
- Insert short “chin on mat” reps to lower energy.
Place Training FAQs
What is the “Place” cue?
A cue to go to a defined spot (mat/bed/cot) and settle until released.
How long should a session be?
2–6 minutes. Multiple small missions beat one long practice.
When do I add distractions?
After you have 3 consecutive wins at your current duration and distance.
What’s a good release word?
Any short word you won’t say casually: “Free,” “Break,” or “Release.” Say it, then invite off.