As much as we love and cherish our dogs, there are times when it is best for everyone if they have a place to go that is out of everyone’s way. That special place is called their “spot”. In this article, we will teach you how to train your dog to retreat to their very own spot on your command

For this exercise, you will need to decide

1. exactly where you want your dog to go to, i.e. their spot

2. what behavior you want at the spot, such as laying down, sitting, or just waiting there

3. the word or command you will use to instruct your dog to go to their spot.

Consistency is important for this exercise. You will be training your dog to go to a specific spot, exhibit the correct behavior and respond to a specific word. You will also need a clicker and a bag of treats for this exercise. We have decided that we would like our dog to go to their mat and sit and the word we will use is spot.

Are you ready to begin? Have your clicker and treats? When your dog takes a step towards its mat, click and reward your dog. Another correct step towards the mat is rewarded with another click and treat. Next try 3 steps, and so on. Once your dog has figured this out and has taken the treat, say “spot!” and wait until your dog tries the trick again. Once they go back to the mat and sit, reward them with praise, give them a treat and say “spot!” again. You are training your dog to associate the location (mat) and behavior (sit) with praise and a treat. Do not reward your dog for going to their spot unless you have given the command to do so.

Your dog should respond to the word, not the clicker. Once they have left the spot, say the command again and reward them if they go to their spot and sit, then praise them and give them a treat. It is very important to remember that sending your dog to their spot should not seem like a punishment. You should praise your dog for obeying your wishes and listening to you. In fact, any time your dog follows your instructions it should be rewarded with praise.