Judy Powell
To train your dog to go back to its place on command is very useful. The training may take time but the results are worth your efforts. You have every advantage of being able to command your dog to find its place and stay there. Here we’ll talk about the benefits and we’ll teach you how to train your dog to go to its place. So read on for more information.
Why Should You Train Your Dog to Go to Its Place?
You may ask this question especially when you’ve already taught your dog how to sit. That’s already an accomplishment in itself. However, there are certain perks in being able to command your dog to stay in its “room.”
You can ground your pet for serious misbehavior. When your dog is made to go back to its set place, it understands that it’s committed a serious no-no. This will likely discourage it from committing the same mistake again.
You can quickly clear the room or area for cleaning, food preparation, and more. Sometimes, a simple “sit” command won’t do. Your dog tends to get easily excited and distracted. But commanding it to stay back or stay in its proper place will reset the excitement and bring back its focus on you and on whatever you want your pet to do (or stop doing).
You can immediately command your dog back to safety. Sometimes, accidents may happen. You may spill something on the floor. Liquids may scatter and so could broken pieces of glass.
That you can quickly command your dog to clear the area and stay in its place while you clean up is a great advantage in this situation. You keep it safe from getting its paws hurt. And the mess won’t spread even more.
How Do You Teach Your Dog to Go to Its Place?
Teaching your dog this trick or skill is not that difficult. With patience and constant repetition, your dog will master this instruction in no time. Here are some steps to training your dog to go to its place.
First, let your dog master sitting on cue. Put the time in teaching this trick first. Your dog needs to be able to sit still so you can easily train it to go to its place. Initially, you might probably have to gently move your pet towards a sitting position. Do this repetitively until your dog gets it.
Second, teach your dog to lie down. Once your dog can sit on command, teach it to lie down. Use a simple word and say it each time you guide your dog into a lying position. You may need to slowly and gently pull your pet’s front legs forward down. Do this repetitively until your dog understands the drill.
Avoid forcing your dog or startling it. Don’t make it uncomfortable. If it associates the training sessions with discomfort, it might resist the next time you try to teach it.
Third, choose the designated place where you want it to go each time you give the command. It may be his kennel, bed, or rug. It may be a specific room. Whatever you choose, make it permanent for that particular command word.
If you want to be able to command your dog to go to any room, you’re better off using a carpet or rug. Make your dog go to wherever the rug or carpet is during training sessions.
Which brings us to our fourth step, your command word. Choose it and use it each time you teach the exercise. You may use an action word. You may also use a distinct name to identify the place, object (rug, etc.), or room.
There are different ways of doing the fifth step. This step is when you now make your dog go to the designated place. Here’s one way:
- You can enter the room or step near the area where you want your dog to go.
- Call your dog over using the command word.
- Praise and give your dog a hug when it comes to you. Giving it some treat would be nice.
Redo this exercise with your canine trainee a few times a day. After some time, try giving the command word when you’re away from the designated area where it should go. Simply point to the place and give the command word. Remember to praise and reward each time your dog makes progress. It encourages them to repeat the act.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t taught your dog to go to its place on command, consider doing it. The command comes handy, especially in emergencies. Remember to choose and give clear command words. And remember to choose a designated place (or object) for your dog to go to. This consistency avoids confusing your dog. Happy training!