The Importance of the Place Command
A close second to an impeccable recall, the Place command stands out as one of the most beneficial skills to impart to a canine companion. For those unfamiliar, the Place command instructs a dog to position all four paws onto or into a specified object. Dogs have the autonomy to choose their posture—be it sitting, lying down, or standing—and may alter their position as they please. The crucial stipulation is that they must keep all four paws within the designated area.
Why Teach the Place Command?
The beauty of the Place command lies in its versatility. This training skill has numerous practical applications that enhance daily life and simplify management of your pet.
Real-World Applications
To demonstrate the utility of place training, consider the scenario of dining without disruption. On a camping excursion, the use of a small blanket, such as an Insect Shield Blanket, provided a designated Place for the dogs. They remained there, undisturbed and without begging, until permission was granted to move, allowing for a relaxing mealtime.
Traveling with dogs also benefits from the Place command. It establishes that the car is a Place where they can move freely yet must not exit without a release cue. This ensures their safety and compliance. For instance, within the confines of an RV, a dog may have a specific seat as their Place, as demonstrated by Diva, a Duck Toller, who settled for a nap in the designated spot.
It is essential to remember that issuing the Place command requires vigilance to ensure the dog remains in compliance. Should they leave their assigned Place, it is the owner’s duty to promptly redirect them back, maintaining the integrity of the training.
Special Circumstances
The Place command proves invaluable in various situations, such as at the veterinarian’s office, where it can ease the process of weighing the dog. An anecdote highlights its use during a kayaking adventure, where a hesitant dog complied with the Place command and settled into the kayak, paving the way for an enjoyable excursion.
Starting with Training
When introducing the Place command, it’s advisable to begin with a simple, stable raised platform, like a dog cot, which serves as an excellent training apparatus and a comfortable dog bed for years to come.
The possibilities for the Place command are endless, and discovering unique applications can be quite rewarding. The trainers encourage others to share their experiences with their dogs’ Place command through comments or on social media platforms.
