Core Obedience
Place / Go to Mat
A location cue for calm stationing during guests, meals, and routines.
Place teaches the dog to move to and settle on a designated spot.
It is one of the highest-leverage household management behaviors.
What this command is
Dog moves to assigned station and remains there until released.
Estimated time: 1-3 weeks
Why it matters: Place is a practical impulse-control skill for doors, guests, and meal prep.
Public training steps
Mark mat interaction
Reward stepping onto mat, then reward calm stays.
Success: Dog seeks mat on cue.
Typical time: 2-6 sessions
Build duration and release
Increase settle duration and add clear release cue.
Success: Dog holds station until released.
Typical time: 6-15 sessions