How to Teach a West Highland White Terrier the Place Command
West Highland White Terriers are confident, spirited dogs with independent streaks and high barking tendencies—making the "place" command especially valuable for managing their energy and focus. This intermediate obedience skill teaches your Westie to settle on a designated mat or bed on cue, which is crucial for a breed prone to restlessness and attention-seeking vocalization. When trained with consistency and positive reinforcement, the place command channels their natural drive into a calm, contained behavior. Given their 3/5 trainability and stubborn nature, breaking training into short, high-reward sessions prevents frustration for both you and your dog. With daily 45-minute exercise already meeting their needs, this command becomes an excellent way to redirect excess energy and establish household boundaries indoors.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose and Condition the Place
Select a specific mat, bed, or cushion in a neutral, low-traffic area of your home. Spend 3–5 days simply placing treats and favorite toys on the mat so your Westie naturally gravitates toward it, building positive associations without any commands attached.
- 2
Introduce the 'Place' Cue
When your Westie voluntarily steps on the mat, immediately say 'place' in an upbeat tone and reward with high-value treats (small pieces of chicken or cheese work well for their breed). Repeat this 5–10 times per session, keeping sessions short to match their modest trainability and prevent frustration.
- 3
Lure and Reward Placement
Once the verbal cue is familiar, hold a treat slightly above the mat and use it to guide your Westie onto the mat, immediately saying 'place.' Reward generously the moment all four paws are on the mat. Practice this 10–15 times daily for consistency, essential given their spirited, easily-distracted nature.
- 4
Add Duration Gradually
Once your Westie reliably goes to the mat on cue, begin asking for brief stays—starting at just 5–10 seconds. Reward while they're still on the mat and building duration in tiny increments. Go slowly; their confident temperament may test boundaries, so patience and consistency prevent backsliding.
- 5
Introduce Mild Distractions
Once they hold the place for 30+ seconds indoors, gently increase difficulty by moving around the room, opening doors, or creating low-level noise while they stay on the mat. Always reward heavily when they remain settled, reinforcing calm behavior over their natural barking and attention-seeking impulses.
- 6
Practice in Various Locations
Gradually move the mat to different rooms and environments so the command generalizes beyond one spot. Westies' confident but somewhat stubborn nature means they may need reminders in new spaces, so be consistent and patient during these transitions.
Pro tips
- Keep training sessions under 5 minutes—Westies' moderate trainability means short, frequent sessions work better than long ones to avoid stubbornness and boredom.
- Use high-value rewards (chicken, cheese, or special toys) consistently; this breed's independent streak requires extra motivation, especially when competing with their instinct to bark or dig.
- Practice the command after their 45-minute daily exercise when they're naturally calmer and more receptive; a tired Westie is a focused learner.
Frequently asked questions
My Westie keeps jumping off the mat or barking when I first leave them. What should I do?+
This is typical stubborn-streak behavior in Westies. Reward only the moment they settle quietly on the mat—don't reward jumping or barking. If they leave, calmly place them back on the mat without fanfare and try again. Keep early sessions extremely short (under 2 minutes) to set them up for success and build confidence.
How long should the place command stay be at their intermediate level?+
Aim for 1–3 minutes as a realistic intermediate goal for a Westie with moderate trainability. Their energy level and spirited nature mean longer stays come with time and consistent practice. Always end on a positive note before frustration sets in.
Can I use the place command to manage their barking tendency?+
Absolutely. Placing your Westie on the mat during trigger moments (doorbell, visitor arrival) can interrupt their barking cycle and redirect their energy. Heavily reward quiet, calm behavior on the mat, which directly counters their 4/5 barking tendency.
What if my Westie digs or destroys the mat?+
This taps into their prey drive and natural digging instinct. Use a durable, washable mat and ensure they're getting sufficient daily exercise (45+ minutes) beforehand. If destructive behavior persists on the mat, try a mat with raised edges or a different texture, and always supervise early training sessions.