How to Teach a Portuguese Water Dog the Place Command
Portuguese Water Dogs are highly intelligent, energetic workers bred to assist fishermen—traits that make them eager students but easily bored without proper outlets. Teaching the Place command is ideal for this breed because it channels their intelligence into a focused task, gives them a designated "job," and helps manage common challenges like jumping, counter-surfing, and destructive behavior driven by pent-up energy. With a trainability rating of 5/5, PWDs excel at understanding structured commands, but their spirited nature means they need engaging, reward-rich training sessions. This guide teaches you to establish a calm, confident relaxed stay on a mat or bed—a foundation behavior that gives your PWD both mental stimulation and a safe space to decompress after their required 75 minutes of daily exercise.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose and Mark the Place
Select a specific mat, bed, or cushion in a quiet area of your home—this becomes your PWD's designated spot. Place it somewhere you can easily redirect your dog to it during daily routines. Consistently using the same mat helps your intelligent PWD quickly associate the location with the command.
- 2
Lure Your Dog to the Mat with High-Value Rewards
Show a favorite treat and guide your dog onto the mat, then immediately reward with enthusiasm and praise. Repeat this 10–15 times in short sessions, always rewarding the moment all four paws touch the mat. PWDs respond exceptionally well to clear, immediate reinforcement, so timing is critical.
- 3
Add the Verbal Cue "Place"
Once your dog reliably moves to the mat for the lure, say "Place" just before they step onto it, then reward generously. After 5–7 days of consistent repetition, your PWD will begin anticipating the command. Their high intelligence means they'll connect the word to the action quickly.
- 4
Build Duration with a Relaxed Stay
Once your dog settles on the mat after the cue, wait 2–3 seconds before rewarding. Gradually extend the duration by 2–3 seconds every few sessions, reaching 30 seconds over 1–2 weeks. Keep your PWD's energy in mind: short, successful sessions prevent frustration and maintain their enthusiasm.
- 5
Introduce Mild Distractions and Distance
Once your dog holds the Place for 30+ seconds, add minor distractions like gentle sounds or you moving a few steps away. Always reward calm behavior on the mat, and reset if your dog breaks the stay. Your PWD's mouthing and jumping tendencies may resurface under distraction—stay patient and reinforce calmness consistently.
- 6
Practice Place During Real-Life Moments
Use the Place command during doorbell ringing, meal preparation, or when guests arrive—situations where your PWD typically jumps or counter-surfs. This real-world practice transforms the command from a training exercise into a reliable tool for managing their spirited nature and channeling energy positively.
Pro tips
- Use high-value, motivating treats (chicken, cheese, or their favorite toy) during early training—PWDs are food-driven and respond better to rewards they genuinely value, speeding up learning.
- Practice Place immediately after vigorous exercise (fetch, swimming, running) when your PWD's energy is partially spent; they'll settle more easily and learn faster than training a restless, overstimulated dog.
- Pair the mat with calming activities like chew toys or a food-dispensing puzzle to reinforce that Place is a rewarding, peaceful space—this combats their mouthing instinct and gives their intelligent minds a job while resting.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take a Portuguese Water Dog to master Place?+
Most PWDs grasp the command in 1–2 weeks due to their 5/5 trainability rating, but a solid, distraction-proof stay may take 3–4 weeks of consistent practice. Their intelligence means they learn quickly, but their high energy requires you to practice in short, engaging sessions.
What should I do if my PWD breaks the stay and jumps off the mat?+
Calmly reset: guide them back to the mat, reward a brief sit or settle, and try again with a shorter duration. Never chase, scold, or show frustration—PWDs are sensitive to tone and may associate the mat with conflict. Consistent, positive redirection is key.
Can Place help with my PWD's destructive boredom behavior?+
Yes. Place gives your dog a designated, calming activity and signals 'settle time,' which can reduce boredom-driven destruction when combined with adequate exercise. Pair the command with mental enrichment (puzzle toys, sniffing games) on the mat for best results.
How often should I practice the Place command?+
Aim for 3–5 short sessions (5–10 minutes each) per day, especially in the first 2 weeks. PWDs stay engaged with varied, reward-rich training, and frequent practice reinforces the behavior faster than infrequent long sessions.