How to Teach a Bichon Frise the Place Command
The "place" command is an excellent intermediate obedience skill for Bichon Frises, particularly valuable given their tendency toward separation anxiety and over-attachment. This command teaches your Bichon to voluntarily go to a designated mat or bed and maintain a relaxed stay, providing mental stimulation and helping prevent destructive barking when you need them settled. Bichons are highly trainable (4/5) and naturally affectionate, making them responsive to positive reinforcement and eager to please. Teaching "place" gives your cheerful companion a job to do during high-energy moments, channels their moderate 30-minute daily exercise needs, and offers comfort through routine. Since Bichons are prone to separation anxiety, this gradual protocol builds confidence while teaching calm behavior, ultimately strengthening your bond through structured interaction.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose and Condition the Mat
Select a specific mat, dog bed, or cushion that will be your Bichon's "place." Place it in a low-traffic area of your home where your pup can see you from the mat. Spend several days tossing high-value treats onto the mat during calm moments—this creates positive associations and teaches your Bichon that good things happen there without pressure.
- 2
Introduce the "Place" Cue
While your Bichon is naturally exploring the mat, mark the behavior with "Yes!" the moment their paws touch it, then immediately reward with a treat. After several successful repetitions, add the verbal cue "place" just before they step onto it. Use a happy, encouraging tone that matches your Bichon's cheerful temperament and makes compliance feel like a fun game.
- 3
Build Duration with Short Stays
Once your Bichon reliably goes to place, reward them for staying there for 2–3 seconds before releasing with a release word like "free!" Gradually extend the duration in small increments (5 seconds, then 10, then 20) over multiple training sessions. This measured approach is crucial for Bichons, as it prevents frustration and respects their playful, energetic nature.
- 4
Add Distance and Distractions Slowly
Start rewarding your Bichon for staying on the mat while you take one step away, then two steps, building to leaving the room briefly. Introduce mild distractions (soft music, treats in another room) only after your Bichon is reliably holding the stay. This gradual progression addresses separation anxiety by teaching that you leaving is not a threat—good things still happen when you return.
- 5
Practice in Different Locations
Once reliable at home, train the "place" command in different rooms and eventually other environments (a friend's house, outdoor picnic area). Bichons are adaptable but benefit from consistent repetition, so start with short sessions and increase complexity slowly. This generalization helps your dog understand the command applies everywhere.
- 6
Use "Place" as a Calm-Down Tool
Begin implementing "place" during naturally high-energy moments—when guests arrive, during training breaks, or when your Bichon's barking tendency flares up. Reward calm, relaxed behavior on the mat (not just staying there, but being genuinely settled). Over time, this teaches your affectionate Bichon that the mat is a safe refuge where calm behavior earns your attention and praise.
Pro tips
- Use extra-high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or soft pup treats) during "place" training—Bichons' strong attachment and food motivation make special rewards essential for cementing this intermediate skill.
- Practice "place" right after your Bichon's 30-minute daily exercise session, when their playful energy is spent and they're naturally calmer—this sets them up for success and makes longer stays feel more natural.
- Pair "place" with soothing language and gentle praise to help counter separation anxiety; a calm, reassuring tone teaches your affectionate Bichon that the mat is a peaceful refuge, not a punishment zone.
Frequently asked questions
My Bichon keeps jumping off the mat before I release them. How do I fix this?+
This is common in playful Bichons with moderate energy. Reduce the duration expectation—return to 2–3 second stays and build much more slowly. Reward heavily for any moment they stay put, and use a consistent, enthusiastic release word so they know when it's okay to leave. If they break the stay, calmly place them back on the mat without fanfare and try again with a shorter duration.
My Bichon gets anxious when I leave the room, even just for a few seconds. Is this normal?+
Yes—separation anxiety is a common Bichon challenge. Do not rush distance training. Practice staying on the mat while you're clearly visible, then step away for just one second, mark success with "Yes!", and immediately return to reward. Patience here is key; forcing longer absences will worsen anxiety. Celebrate tiny wins to build their confidence gradually.
How often should I train the "place" command with my Bichon?+
Train in 5–10 minute sessions, 3–4 times per week, incorporating "place" practice into your Bichon's daily 30-minute exercise routine. Short, frequent sessions suit their playful temperament better than one long session. Consistency matters more than duration, and you can also practice "place" at natural moments (settling before meals, during calm evenings).
Can I use the "place" command to stop my Bichon from barking?+
Yes, but indirectly. The "place" command itself doesn't suppress barking; rather, it gives your Bichon a productive activity and safe space. Once they're settled and calm on the mat, reward the absence of barking. Over time, they learn that choosing the mat = praise and treats. This positive approach works well for Bichons, who respond better to redirecting energy than to punishment.