A single cue can transform a hectic home into a calm one. We dig into the place command—sending your dog to a defined spot and keeping them there until release—to solve jumpy greetings, counter-surfing, dinner chaos, and that jittery energy that spikes when the doorbell rings. Instead of a timeout, place gives your dog a job they understand and actually enjoy, because clear rules help them settle.

We break down the exact setup we use: why a raised cot outperforms blankets or towels, how to start with simple lured reps, and the cadence that works best—short, frequent sessions that stack wins. You’ll hear how we fade food without fading standards, and why returning to your dog before release teaches real relaxation. We share our staircase method for distractions, from a tossed treat to moving around the room to guests entering, all while keeping a leash on so you can prevent failure and keep confidence high.

We also dig into common sticking points—dogs creeping off soft mats, handlers repeating cues, and releasing from across the room—and show quick fixes that build reliability fast. Place doesn’t replace every behavior, but it does give you the most dependable boundary in busy homes and at social gatherings. Practice indoors, then proof outdoors to supercharge focus back inside. By the end, you’ll know how to extend duration without watching the clock, when to release early to protect the rep, and how to use calm praise to turn effort into a habit your dog chooses.

Want deeper guidance and community support? Join our free training space and check out the Place course that takes you from first rep to rock-solid stays before the price increases on January 1. If this helped, follow, share with a dog-loving friend, and leave a quick review—what’s the first moment you’ll use Place for this week?