How to Teach a Great Dane the Place Command
Teaching your Great Dane the "place" command is one of the most valuable skills you can instill, especially given their size and tendency to lean, jump, and counter-surf. Great Danes are naturally gentle and patient, which makes them surprisingly receptive to obedience training—they simply need clear, consistent communication and motivation. The "place" command sends your dog to a designated mat or bed and teaches them to remain calm and settled, reducing unwanted behaviors like jumping on guests or hovering near the kitchen. This intermediate technique works beautifully with Danes' dependable temperament and helps channel their moderate energy constructively. With your 60 minutes of daily exercise already completed, your Great Dane will have the mental clarity and focus needed to learn this command reliably.
Step-by-step
- 1
Set up a dedicated place mat or bed
Choose a mat, dog bed, or crate pad in a quiet area of your home—ideally a spot where your Dane can observe family activity without being in the way. Due to their size, a large, orthopedic mat works best for comfort and clear boundaries. Make sure the mat is easily distinguishable (e.g., a specific color or texture) so your Great Dane learns to recognize it as their designated spot.
- 2
Lure your Great Dane onto the mat with treats
Hold a high-value treat (chicken, cheese, or their favorite) and guide your Dane onto the mat using a relaxed, encouraging tone. Reward immediately the moment their front paws touch the mat. Repeat this 5-10 times in short sessions, always using positive reinforcement and never forcing them onto the mat.
- 3
Introduce the verbal cue 'place'
As your Dane steps onto the mat, clearly say "place" in a calm, upbeat voice before immediately rewarding them. Repeat this association consistently for at least 10-15 repetitions per session over several days. Great Danes respond well to a gentle, confident tone—avoid harsh or frustrated commands.
- 4
Build duration by rewarding settled stays
Once your Dane reliably goes to the mat, reward them for staying put rather than immediately leaving. Start with just 3-5 seconds of stillness, then gradually increase to 30 seconds, then a minute. Use treats and verbal praise to reinforce calm, relaxed behavior (ears back, body loose) rather than alert or anxious postures.
- 5
Add distance and distractions gradually
Once your Dane holds the place command for 1-2 minutes from right beside the mat, step away a few feet and continue rewarding. Slowly increase your distance and add mild distractions (opening the fridge, ringing a doorbell, having family members walk by). Your Dane's dependable nature will help them succeed if progression is slow and consistent.
- 6
Practice 'place' before common problem moments
Use the command proactively when guests arrive (preventing jumping), before meals (preventing counter-surfing and leaning), and during dinner prep. Reinforcing "place" in these real-world scenarios cements it as a reliable redirect for your Great Dane's challenging behaviors and builds their confidence.
Pro tips
- Great Danes are sensitive to tone—use a calm, encouraging voice rather than a harsh one. Their friendly, gentle temperament means they respond better to positive reinforcement and clear praise than correction.
- Practice 'place' right after exercise (within your 60-minute daily routine) when your Dane's energy is already channeled and they're more focused and willing to settle.
- Keep treats and rewards on or very near the mat at first so your Dane associates the specific spot with immediate, consistent reward—this helps their size and leaning tendency work in your favor by encouraging them to return to the mat frequently.
Frequently asked questions
My Great Dane keeps getting up from the mat. How long should I wait before rewarding?+
Start very short—just 2-3 seconds of staying on the mat earns a reward. Great Danes are large and can find sustained stays uncomfortable initially. Gradually extend to 5, 10, then 30 seconds over weeks. Patience and incremental progress prevent frustration and build their confidence. Never punish for getting up; simply reset and try again.
Should I use a crate instead of a mat for 'place'?+
Either works, but mats are often easier for the "place" command since they're open and less confining. Mats also allow your Dane to see you and the household, reducing anxiety. If you do use a crate, ensure your Dane is already crate-trained and comfortable. The goal is calm settlement, not confinement, so let your dog's temperament guide your choice.
How often should I practice this command with my Dane?+
Practice 2-3 short sessions (5-10 minutes) daily during their existing training time. Great Danes have moderate trainability and respond best to consistent, frequent repetition in manageable chunks. Once they reliably know the command, practice it 3-4 times a week to maintain the behavior, always using real-world scenarios like guest arrivals.
My Great Dane pulls toward the kitchen counter. Can I use 'place' to stop that?+
Yes—this is ideal for counter-surfing prevention given their height. Before you start meal prep, send your Dane to their mat and reward them for staying. This redirects their jumping and leaning tendencies into a calm, rewarding behavior. Over time, they'll choose the mat instead of hovering by the counter, reducing unwanted behavior proactively.