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The Magic of “Place”: Teaching Calm in Everyday Life
A simple training cue that builds structure, impulse control, and peace for both you and your dog.
Nikki Ivey
September 03, 2025
The Magic of “Place”: Teaching Calm in Everyday Life
There’s no shortage of advice on what puppies should learn in their early months. Most of the time, the focus is on the basics—house training, crate training, chewing, and socialization. While those skills are absolutely important, there’s more to raising a well-rounded puppy than just the essentials.
Beyond the basics, there are behaviors that not only help your puppy right now but also set them up for a smooth transition into adolescence and adulthood. These practical skills build confidence, predictability, and impulse control—foundations that make life with your dog easier and more enjoyable.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing a series of blogs highlighting key skills that every puppy can benefit from. Today, we’re starting with one of the most versatile and useful: the “place” command.
What Is the “Place” Command?
The “place” command teaches your dog to go to a designated spot—such as a bed, blanket, or mat—and stay there until you give them permission to leave. This skill is incredibly helpful both at home and on the go. It gives your dog a clear, predictable target while creating calm structure in your daily routine. READ MORE!
Co-Regulation
It represents a fundamental biological process where one person's regulated nervous system helps another person's dysregulated nervous system find balance and safety. This process forms the cornerstone of healthy relationships, effective therapy, and personal healing.
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