Teaching the Place Command Through Free Shaping | Board & Train Gemmy
Teaching a reliable place command is one of the most valuable skills we can build with a dog. Whether you're raising a new puppy or working through behavior challenges, the place command creates structure, improves impulse control, and gives dogs a clear job to perform in almost any environment.
In this training session, our board and train Dachshund, Gemmy, worked on developing her place command using a training technique known as free shaping.
What Is Free Shaping?
Free shaping is a training method where the dog is encouraged to think through a problem and offer behaviors on their own rather than being physically guided or continuously lured into position. Instead of relying on the handler to move them into the correct behavior, the dog learns through trial, feedback, and reinforcement.
This creates a dog that understands the behavior instead of simply following a piece of food or a hand target.
Building Confidence Through Problem Solving
At the beginning of Gemmy's session, we used minimal luring to introduce the exercise and help establish the objective. Once she understood the game, we removed the lure and allowed her to work through the behavior independently.
As she began making the correct choices, each successful repetition was marked and rewarded. Within just a few minutes, Gemmy started offering the place command confidently without needing additional guidance.
Watching a dog solve the puzzle on their own is one of the most rewarding parts of training. Not only does it strengthen the behavior, but it also develops confidence, engagement, and a willingness to continue learning.
Why We Teach the Place Command
The place command is much more than teaching a dog to stand on a platform or dog cot. It becomes a practical skill that owners can use every day.
A reliable place command can help with:
Building impulse control
Creating calm behavior around distractions
Improving household manners
Managing guests entering the home
Developing duration and patience
Strengthening communication between dog and handler
Creating a strong foundation for advanced obedience
For puppies like Gemmy, introducing these concepts early creates habits that will continue throughout adulthood.
Gemmy's Progress
Gemmy made excellent progress during this session. She started by needing a small amount of guidance but quickly transitioned into confidently offering the behavior through free shaping. By the end of the session, she clearly understood what earned reinforcement and was enthusiastically working to solve the exercise on her own.
These moments are exactly why we love documenting our board and train dogs. Watching the learning process unfold is just as exciting as seeing the finished behavior.
As Gemmy continues through her board and train program, we'll continue adding distractions, duration, and new environments to make her place command reliable wherever she goes.
If you're looking for professional board and train, puppy training, obedience training, or behavior modification, our team at Primal Canine is here to help.
Visit www.primalcanine.com