“Place, Please!”: Why the Place Command Is the MVP of Thanksgiving Dog Manners
Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and fun—but for dog owners, it can also mean chaos: jumping on guests, begging at the table, or pacing underfoot while you’re trying to cook.
That’s where one of our favorite obedience tools comes in: the place command.
This simple command can save your sanity and keep your dog calm, controlled, and confident all day long.
What Is the “Place” Command?
The place command teaches your dog to go to a specific location (like a raised cot, bed, or mat) and stay there until released.
It’s not just about staying put—it’s about practicing calmness and impulse control in the middle of distractions. And what better time to use that than Thanksgiving?
Why It’s Perfect for Thanksgiving Chaos
Here’s where the place command can shine on Turkey Day:
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Front Door Greetings: Avoid jumping or barking when guests arrive
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Kitchen Boundaries: Keep dogs out from underfoot while cooking
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Dinner Time: No begging at the table or nudging elbows for scraps
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Kids and Guests: Reduce overstimulation and reactive behaviors
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Photo Ops: Want a holiday family photo with your pup? Place is your best friend.
When your dog knows how to hold “place,” they become part of the day without disrupting it.
How to Practice Before the Big Day
A little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to start:
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Use a raised cot or designated mat in a low-traffic area
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Give the command and reward calm, still behavior
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Practice with distractions—door knocks, dropped food, people walking by
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Gradually increase duration and distance
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Don’t forget a clear release word like “break”
🟠 Pro tip: Start small (5 minutes) and work your way up to 30–60 minutes of calm “place” time, especially during mealtimes.
When Guests Ask “How Is Your Dog So Well-Behaved?”
You’ll know the secret: it’s not magic—it’s structure.
The place command is a foundational skill we teach in all of our Board & Train and Private Lesson programs in Missoula and the surrounding areas. It’s one of the fastest ways to change your dog’s behavior and give them a job they feel good about.
Ready to Make Thanksgiving Less Stressful?
Let us help you create a calmer, more obedient dog—just in time for the holidays.
📞 Contact us at 406-946-3037 or fill out the form below to start your dog’s training journey today.
