How to Teach a Shetland Sheepdog the Place Command
The Place command is an excellent training goal for Shetland Sheepdogs, leveraging their exceptional intelligence (5/5 trainability) and responsive nature. This intermediate obedience skill teaches your Sheltie to move to a designated mat or bed and settle into a calm, relaxed stay—perfect for managing their high energy levels and reducing excessive barking by providing mental stimulation and structure. Given their sensitive temperament and herding instincts, the Place command offers a constructive outlet for impulses while building confidence, especially for shy or noise-sensitive individuals. Shelties excel with positive-reinforcement methods, and this command will strengthen your bond while giving your dog a safe "place" to decompress during busy household moments or transitions.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose and mark your mat or bed
Select a designated mat, dog bed, or blanket in a low-traffic area of your home—this becomes your Sheltie's 'place.' Use a verbal marker ('Yes!') or a clicker to clearly communicate when your dog touches the mat. Consistency is key for this sensitive breed, so use the exact same mat and location during initial training.
- 2
Lure your dog onto the mat with treats
Hold a high-value treat just above the mat and let your Sheltie naturally walk onto it. Immediately mark with 'Yes!' and reward generously. Repeat 5–10 times per short session, keeping sessions brief to respect their intelligence—they learn quickly and lose interest in overly long drills.
- 3
Add a verbal cue and hand signal
Once your dog reliably steps onto the mat, introduce the command 'Place' or 'Bed' paired with a pointing gesture toward the mat. Say the cue just before luring them on, then mark and reward. Shelties respond beautifully to verbal and visual cues, so pair them consistently.
- 4
Build duration with a relaxed down
Once your Sheltie enters the mat on cue, ask for a down by luring their nose toward their paws. Reward heavily while they remain in the down position, starting with just 3–5 seconds. Gradually extend duration over multiple sessions—this sensitive breed benefits from calm, quiet reinforcement rather than excitement.
- 5
Practice distance and distractions gradually
Begin sending your dog to the mat from a short distance away (1–2 feet), then gradually increase distance over weeks. Once reliable, introduce mild distractions (you moving, door sounds) during Place time. Shelties' noise sensitivity means desensitizing them gently; reward calm behavior during distractions to build confidence.
- 6
Release with a cue and reward the stay
Choose a release word like 'Free!' or 'Break!' and use it consistently when the stay ends. Periodically reward your Sheltie for staying in place even without being asked—this variable reinforcement prevents them from breaking early. Praise calmly to maintain the relaxed state this breed thrives in.
Pro tips
- Use extremely short training sessions (5–10 minutes) and end on success—Shelties' high intelligence means they bore quickly and may develop stubborn habits if over-drilled. Their responsiveness shines in focused, frequent practice rather than long, exhausting sessions.
- Reward calm behavior exclusively: keep your tone soft, avoid excited praise, and use gentle treats. Shelties are sensitive to your energy; an overly enthusiastic reward can create excitability rather than the relaxed 'place' state you're building.
- Leverage the Place command to manage your Sheltie's 60-minute daily exercise need mentally. A calm, successful Place stay provides mental stimulation and reinforces good decision-making, which is often more valuable than additional physical exercise for this intelligent breed.
Frequently asked questions
My Sheltie keeps barking when I put her on the mat. How do I handle this?+
This is common due to Shelties' high barking tendency (4/5). Ignore barking completely and only reward quiet moments on the mat, even if brief. Never reward or scold the barking—this reinforces attention-seeking. Stay patient; once she learns silence = treats, the barking will decrease. Keep sessions short and fun.
How long should the Place stay be?+
Start with 10–30 seconds and build gradually over 2–3 weeks. Most Shelties can hold a relaxed Place for 5–10 minutes with consistent training. Match duration to your dog's age and training experience. Remember, quality calm behavior matters more than duration—a restless 2-minute stay isn't the goal.
My Sheltie seems anxious or shy about the mat. What should I do?+
Shelties can be sensitive and fearful, especially if noise-sensitive. Never force your dog onto the mat. Instead, make the mat irresistible by tossing treats on it and letting her explore at her own pace. Build positive associations slowly. If she shows genuine anxiety, consult a trainer experienced with sensitive breeds.
Can I use the Place command during busy times like when the doorbell rings?+
Yes, this is ideal! Once your Sheltie is reliable, the Place command redirects her energy and reduces reactivity-driven barking during excitement. Practice the command during calm times first, then gradually introduce mild distractions before using it during high-energy moments like doorbell scenarios.