Place Training a Dog

Place Training a Dog: How to Teach “On Your Bed”

Place training a dog is one of the most useful skills an owner can teach. Cues such as “on your bed”, “on your mat” or “place” direct your dog to a designated spot where they remain calmly until given a consistent release cue.

This can help keep your dog safe and settled in many everyday situations, from welcoming visitors to eating dinner or visiting a café.

Benefits of Place Training

Place training can help your dog:

• Settle calmly while you eat or have visitors.
• Avoid jumping up or becoming overexcited at the door.
• Learn to relax inside the home.
• Develop confidence and independence.
• Move away from triggers that may lead to barking.
• Feel secure on their own familiar bed or mat.
• Remain safely in one place when needed.

For dogs experiencing anxiety, a familiar mat or bed can also become a positive, predictable place to relax. It should never be used as punishment.

How to Teach Your Dog Place Training ie: “On Your Mat”

Start in a quiet area with a comfortable mat or bed and some small, high-value treats.

1. Use a treat to lure your dog onto the mat.
2. As soon as all four paws are on it, mark the behaviour with a clicker, “yes” or “good”, then reward.
3. Repeat several times before adding your chosen cue, such as “on your mat” or “on your bed”.
4. Gradually stop using the food lure. Point towards the mat, give the cue and reward your dog once they move onto it.
5. When your dog understands the cue, begin rewarding them for lying down and remaining there calmly.
6. For place training it is really important to also teach a consistent release word, such as “free” or “okay”, to let your dog know when they can leave.

Keep each training session short, positive and achievable. Always use positive reinforcement training and remember to continue to reward your dog on an intermittent schedule of reinforcement. Learn more about that HERE.

Build Up the Time Gradually

Once your dog is happily going to their place, gradually increase how long they stay there.

Sit nearby and reward calm behaviour with small treats placed directly onto the mat. You can also offer a safe long-lasting chew or enrichment toy to help your dog settle.

Start with just a few seconds before giving the release cue. Slowly increase the duration and then begin adding mild distractions or taking the mat to different locations.

If your dog repeatedly gets up, make the exercise easier by reducing the time or distraction level.

Create a Safe Place for Your Dog

With consistent, reward-based training, your dog will learn that their bed or mat is a safe and rewarding place to relax.

Crate training can provide another secure resting space for dogs and puppies when introduced gradually and positively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is place training for dogs?

Place training teaches a dog to move to a designated bed, mat or raised platform when given a cue such as “place”, “on your mat” or “on your bed”. The dog then remains there calmly until their owner gives a consistent release cue. It is useful for managing everyday situations while also teaching calm, independent behaviour.

How long should a dog stay in place?

Start by asking your dog to remain in place for only a few seconds before giving their release cue. Gradually extend the time as they become more confident. How long a dog can comfortably stay will depend on their age, training experience and individual needs. Place training should include regular breaks and should never be used to confine a dog for unreasonable periods.

What should I do if my dog keeps leaving the mat?

If your dog repeatedly leaves the mat, the exercise may have progressed too quickly. Reduce the duration, move closer to your dog or practise in an area with fewer distractions. Reward them regularly while they remain settled and release them before they decide to move. Avoid repeatedly correcting or physically forcing them back onto the mat.

Can place training help when visitors arrive?

Yes. Place training can help prevent jumping, barking and overexcited greetings when someone enters your home. Initially, practise with family members or familiar visitors who will follow your instructions. Reward your dog for remaining calmly on their bed or mat and ask visitors to wait until the dog is settled before interacting with them.

Can I take my dog’s mat away from home?

A portable mat can give your dog a familiar place to settle at cafés, holiday accommodation, training classes or when visiting family and friends. Practise in different locations gradually, beginning somewhere quiet before progressing to busier environments. Remember that a trained mat cue does not mean every environment will be comfortable for your dog, so always watch their body language and provide extra distance from anything causing stress.

Is place training suitable for puppies?

Yes, puppies can begin learning place training through very short, positive sessions. Reward your puppy for stepping onto the mat, lying down and remaining there briefly. Keep your expectations age-appropriate and include plenty of opportunities for toileting, play, sleep and movement.

For more practical dog training advice, visit our Training & Behaviour section.

About the Author: Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog