How to Teach a Boston Terrier the Place Command
The "place" command is an excellent tool for Boston Terrier owners, particularly given this breed's lively temperament and tendency toward overexcitement. Teaching your Boston to settle on a mat or bed provides a calm anchor point during busy moments, guests' arrivals, or when you need focused relaxation. Boston Terriers are highly trainable (4/5) and respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement, making this intermediate obedience skill well-suited to their bright, eager-to-please nature. Since they have moderate energy levels (3/5) and don't require excessive exercise, a dedicated training routine of 45 minutes daily can comfortably include multiple short "place" sessions. This command channels their amusing, lively personality into controlled behavior rather than suppressing it, helping manage their occasional stubborn streak through reward-based motivation.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose and establish the mat location
Select a quiet, specific spot in your home where you'll consistently place the mat or bed—ideally away from high-traffic areas that trigger overexcitement. Make this location predictable and appealing; Boston Terriers thrive on routine. Mark it clearly so your dog understands the boundary you're teaching.
- 2
Lure your Boston onto the mat with high-value rewards
Using treats your Boston Terrier finds irresistible, guide them onto the mat by holding the treat low and creating a clear pathway. Immediately reward the moment their paws touch the mat. Keep sessions short (2-3 minutes) to maintain their attention and prevent overexcitement; Boston Terriers can overheat during extended training.
- 3
Add the verbal cue and hand signal
Once your Boston naturally moves onto the mat, introduce the word "place" in a calm, steady voice paired with a pointing gesture. Say it just before they step on, then reward generously. Consistency helps overcome their stubborn streak by creating clear expectations.
- 4
Introduce brief duration on the mat
Ask your Boston to place, wait 2-3 seconds, then release with a cheerful "okay!" and reward. Gradually extend the duration by 5-second increments over many sessions. Keep releases upbeat to prevent frustration, which can trigger barking or overexcitement.
- 5
Practice with mild distractions and distance
Once your Boston holds "place" for 30 seconds, begin walking a few steps away while they stay on the mat. Return and reward before releasing. Gradually add low-level distractions (quiet movements, distant sounds) to build their focus and impulse control.
- 6
Reinforce in real-world situations
Use the "place" command during natural moments—when you're cooking, answering the door, or welcoming guests. These situations often trigger a Boston Terrier's overexcitement, so rewarding calm "place" behavior directly addresses their most common challenge. Practice consistently for 2-3 weeks before expecting reliable performance.
Pro tips
- Train in cool conditions: Boston Terriers overheat easily, so practice "place" in the morning or evening, avoid hot seasons, and keep sessions under 5 minutes each. This breed's heat sensitivity makes frequent, brief training sessions far more effective than long ones.
- Use their brightness to your advantage: Boston Terriers are clever and get bored with repetition, so vary your treat rewards and rotate training locations after they've mastered the basic mat. This keeps them mentally engaged and prevents the stubborn streak from emerging.
- Anchor the mat to real life: Use "place" when guests arrive, during meal prep, or when you notice overexcitement building—not just during formal training. This breed learns fastest when commands solve actual problems they experience daily.
Frequently asked questions
My Boston Terrier gets overexcited on the mat and jumps off constantly. How do I fix this?+
Overexcitement is typical for Boston Terriers—start with even shorter durations (1-2 seconds) and reward heavily for staying put. If they jump off, calmly place them back without drama or extra attention. End the session on a positive note before frustration builds. Avoid rewarding the jump-off behavior itself.
Can I train "place" during my Boston's regular 45-minute daily exercise routine?+
Yes, incorporate brief training sessions (5-10 minutes) into your daily routine, but do them after a short walk or play session when your Boston is slightly tired. Training a rested, overexcited Boston Terrier is much harder. Multiple short sessions throughout the day work better than one long session.
Should I use a crate instead of a mat for the "place" command?+
A mat is ideal for "place" because it teaches a relaxed down-stay in an open space, which is different from crate training. However, if your Boston has housetraining difficulties (common in this breed), a crate combined with "place" training can provide useful structure. Use both tools for different purposes.
My Boston barks when asked to "place." Is this a training problem?+
Boston Terriers have a low barking tendency (2/5), so excessive barking on the mat usually means overstimulation or confusion. Keep sessions shorter and quieter, avoid training during exciting times of day, and don't reward barking with attention. If barking persists, consult a trainer to rule out anxiety.