Teaching your dog to 'Go To Place' helps them learn that a specific location is rewarding. Conduct training sessions of 5-10 minutes several times a day in a low-distraction environment, such as your home. Start slowly to establish a strong foundation, then gradually increase the duration and distance.
Objective:
Train your dog to go and lie down at a designated spot when you say the cue word "Place"
Teaching "Go To Place:
Move your dog's mat a few steps away.
When your dog steps on it or looks at it, give positive feedback like "good dog," "yes," or use a clicker and reward.
Release your dog, move the mat again, and repeat the click and reward when they step or sit on it.
Gradually increase the time between the behavior and your positive feedback, then reward and release. Your dog will learn that lying on the mat leads to good things.
Adding Duration:
Introduce the verbal cue "Place" as your dog goes to the mat.
Take a step left or backward, give positive feedback if your dog stays on the mat.
If your dog is frustrated, release them from the mat, give affection but no treats. Most dogs will return to the mat, learning that calm behavior on the mat is rewarded.
Gradually increase the movement, eventually walking around your dog while they stay on the mat. Continue to click or say "yes" and reward for calm behavior on the mat.
Adding Distance:
Slowly increase the distance between you and your dog.
Click when you reach the farthest point, then return to your dog and reward.
If your dog gets up, restart the pattern and shorten the session.