The "Place" Command for Puppies: How I Taught Charlie to Settle
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As a professional breeder and trainer, people always ask me, "How is Charlie so calm while you're working?" My answer is always the same: The "Place" Command. If you’ve ever struggled with a puppy that underfoot while you're cooking, jumping on guests the second they walk through the door, or begging at the dinner table, you need this command in your life. For Charlie, learning "Place" was the moment he shifted from a chaotic puppy to a focused partner.
What is the "Place" Command?
"Place" is more than just a "Stay." While a "Stay" is usually a temporary pause, "Place" is a boundary. It tells Charlie: "Go to your designated spot, stay there, and relax until I tell you otherwise." It gives him a specific job to do, which satisfies his Goldendoodle need to please me.
For Charlie, his "place" is a raised cooling cot in my living room. I prefer a raised bed because it provides a very clear physical boundary—he can feel the difference between the cot and the floor, which makes it easier for his 13-week-old brain to understand.
How I Taught Charlie in 3 Steps
I started training this the very first week I brought him home. Here is the professional method I used:
The Lure: I held a high-value treat at his nose and guided him onto the cot. The second all four paws were on it, I said "Place" and gave him the treat.
Building Duration: Once he understood that the cot meant treats, I started waiting 3 seconds, then 5 seconds, then 10 seconds before releasing him with a "Break!" command.
The "Settle" Connection: I only rewarded him when he was calm. If he was dancing around on the cot, I waited. When he finally sat or laid down, that’s when the reward happened.
Why This is a Game-Changer
The "Place" command is my go-to solution for almost every common behavior problem.
Door Manners: When the doorbell rings, I send Charlie to his place. He can’t jump on a guest if he’s 10 feet away on his cot.
Meal Times: Charlie knows that while I’m eating, his job is to stay on his place. No begging, no whining.
Focus While I Work: Since I’m often busy with breeder paperwork or training plans, Charlie spends time on his place right next to my desk. It teaches him "calm on command."
I’ve linked the specific raised cot and the long-lasting chew treats I use to keep Charlie occupied on his place on my Gear Page. Quality gear matters here—you want a cot that doesn't slide around on your floors.
The focus Charlie learned on his mat is exactly what helped us master Leash Pressure and Walking Without Pulling.
Taking it to the Next Level
Most owners stop at "Sit," but if you want a truly well-behaved Goldendoodle, you have to master duration and distractions. If Charlie can stay on his place while I’m vacuuming or dropping a piece of food, I know his impulse control is solid.
I’ve dedicated an entire lesson to the "Place" command in the Puppy Foundations module of my Goldendoodle Academy. I show you exactly how to handle it when your pup tries to "break" early and how to build up to 30 minutes of calm. For $45, you're getting the one command that will actually give you your house back.
Final Thoughts
Training "Place" isn't just about control; it’s about giving your puppy the confidence to be calm. Charlie loves his place because he knows it’s where he gets to relax and be a "good boy." Start small, stay consistent, and watch your puppy’s focus transform.