Monday, August 8, 2011

The Very Beginning of The Place Command

One example of a finished place command:




The place command is usually taught around the same weeks that they stay commands are taught.   The difference from a stay command is this becomes a "send to" where you can send the dog to stay.  Once you get going you can use this for a crate command or a on top of command, unless you want separate verbal cues for this.  

Uses for a Place Command:  Sending your dog from company that may not wish to greet them at places like the dinner table and door without your escorting the dog to the desired location.   Behaviorally modify dog's behavior that may have a territorial aggressive bent.   Send away from an area that may hold danger like a broken glass surrounding the owner.   Interrupt an oncoming conflict between dogs by sending one or two away.   Send a fearful dog to a safe area.   Move a dog around a room while completing housework (keeps them safe from chemicals you may be using).

Goal of a Place Command:  To direct a dog to an area without needing to escort them to the area yourself.   To train a dog to recognize what and where a place is, and to both travel to and place them within those boundaries.

Equipment needed:   Need a leash and training collar in addition to the place itself.  Many trainers use a raised platform for a place (usually made with plywood, rug, and pvc piping) so that there is a definite raised boundary area to begin.   Also many trainers usually make a negative place (pvc boundary only) for ease of traveling with it.   However, a dog bed, mat or something with a definite boundary on which your dog can fit all their paws into laying down will do.

THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE PLACE:
STEP 1:   Position your place equipment in the middle of the room.
STEP 2:  Start heeling your dog around the room.
STEP 3:   Walk in a heel with your dog over the place area.   When all four paws are in the place, say "place".
STEP 4:   Repeat step three from every angle of the place mat or bed (remember dogs can totally interpret something as "just from this direction", so help them to learn to generalize the command by doing this).
STEP 5:  After several (25 or so) repeats of this, stop short of the mat, and see if the dog is ready to step on themselves.  

Video example of the beginning steps of teaching a place command:







To Be Continued...


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2 comments:

Eric said...

I say place as the first and/or second paw hit the place board (so it is more command overly as they action is occurring, and then I praise with command word, once all 4 are on. Just a tiny variation, works better for me I have found.

Robin said...

Thank you for sharing that Eric. I have never tried it that way...or at least I don't think I have. I do it differently when I am using an electronic collar, that is sort of more the way you describe. I have never actually analyzed the steps that I do when i do that, as I mostly do this with a leash.

I have also (many times) toyed with the idea of teaching this first in the string of commands, as you do not really need sit or down to have your dog in a place. Never actually tried it that way though.