If you only teach your dog two things, let them be 'Recall' (come when called) and 'Place.' While 'Sit' and 'Stay' are useful, 'Place' is a lifestyle behavior. It tells your dog: 'Go to this specific spot, lay down, and do not move until I say so.' It is the ultimate management tool for chaotic households.
Why You Need a Raised Bed
You can teach 'Place' on a rug, but it is significantly harder. Dogs learn faster with clear physical boundaries. An elevated 'cot-style' bed (like a Kuranda or Coolaroo) creates a distinct sensation when they step on and off it. It makes the criteria black and white: you are either on the Place, or you aren't.
Step 1: The Lure
Put the bed in a quiet room. Put your dog on a leash. Use a high-value treat to lure their nose (and then their body) onto the bed. The second all four paws are on the fabric, say 'Yes!' (or click) and give them the reward. Do not say the word 'Place' yet. Just repeat this 10-20 times until they are hopping on eagerly to get the treat.
Step 2: Adding the Command
Once they are offering the behavior, start saying 'Place' right before you lure them up. Wait for them to settle (ideally lying down), then mark and reward. Then, give a release word like 'Break!' or 'Free!' and toss a treat away from the bed to encourage them to get off. This teaches them that there is a start and an end to the command.
Step 3: The Three D's (Duration, Distance, Distraction)
This is where most owners fail. You cannot add all three difficulties at once. Build them separately.
First, build Duration. Stand right next to the bed and feed them a treat every 5 seconds, then every 10 seconds, then 30. Next, build Distance. Put them in Place, take one step back, then return and reward. Finally, add Distraction. Do a jumping jack or ring the doorbell while they are on the bed. If they break, calmly guide them back with the leash (no treats) and try again.
The Goal: Passive State of Mind
Eventually, 'Place' becomes your dog's off-switch. Use it while you are cooking dinner so they aren't underfoot. Use it when guests arrive so they aren't jumping. A dog in 'Place' isn't just staying; they are actively practicing emotional regulation and calmness.
