How to Teach a Newfoundland the Place Command
The "Place" command is an ideal obedience skill for Newfoundlands, whose calm, patient temperament and high trainability (4/5) make them natural learners. This command sends your dog to a designated mat or bed and asks them to hold a relaxed stay—perfect for a breed that loves having a job and a sense of purpose. Since Newfoundlands mature slowly and can struggle with jumping and exuberant greetings as puppies, "Place" provides structure and impulse control. With their low energy level (2/5) and gentle disposition, Newfoundlands excel at settling work; they actually prefer a defined resting spot. This guide uses positive-reinforcement training methods and takes advantage of your Newfoundland's eagerness to please, making it an achievable intermediate skill for home training.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose and Mark the Mat
Select a comfortable, durable mat or bed that's sized appropriately for your giant-breed Newfoundland—large enough for them to lie down fully stretched. Place it in a low-distraction area of your home, and mark it consistently with the word "mat" so your dog begins to associate the location with the command.
- 2
Lure Your Dog to the Mat
Using a high-value treat (salmon, cheese, or chicken work well for food-motivated Newfoundlands), guide your dog toward the mat. Reward them the moment all four paws touch or land on it. Repeat this 5–10 times per short training session, keeping sessions brief since Newfoundlands don't require intense activity and can lose focus if over-stimulated.
- 3
Add the Verbal Cue "Place"
Once your Newfoundland reliably moves toward the mat for treats, say "Place" clearly just before they step onto it. Reward immediately when they comply. Practice this for 2–3 weeks in calm conditions, building a strong association between the word and the action.
- 4
Build Duration with Relaxed Stays
Ask your dog to "Place," then wait 3–5 seconds before rewarding while they remain on the mat. Gradually extend this duration by 5–10 seconds each week. Reward with praise, treats, or a quiet toy; Newfoundlands respond beautifully to calm, verbal encouragement suited to their gentle nature.
- 5
Increase Distance and Distraction Gradually
Once your dog holds "Place" for 30+ seconds, practice the command from different rooms and distances. Slowly introduce mild distractions (gentle door knocks, soft TV sounds) before progressing to busier environments. This mirrors real-life scenarios where Newfoundlands may jump at visitors or react to commotion.
- 6
Proof the Command in Real Life
Practice "Place" when visitors arrive, during meal times, or before walks—situations where Newfoundlands commonly jump or pull. Reward calm mat behavior generously to reinforce that staying put earns positive attention, redirecting their natural eagerness to please away from leash pulling and jumping.
Pro tips
- Newfoundlands live to please and thrive on calm praise—use a soft, warm voice and gentle petting as rewards alongside treats. This matches their sweet, patient temperament far better than high-energy celebration.
- Practice "Place" as part of your dog's daily 45-minute exercise routine: train for 5 minutes, then take a walk or swim. This keeps sessions fresh and prevents boredom in a breed prone to slow maturation.
- Use waterproof or washable mats designed for giant breeds; Newfoundland drool and water-loving tendencies mean durability and easy cleaning are non-negotiable for long-term consistency.
Frequently asked questions
My Newfoundland is slow to mature and still jumps on guests at 18 months. Will "Place" help?+
Absolutely. "Place" gives your maturing Newfoundland a clear job during high-energy moments (visitor arrivals, dinner prep). By rewarding calm mat behavior instead of attention-seeking jumping, you redirect their natural devotion and patience toward the behavior you want, fast-tracking impulse control in a breed that matures gradually.
How long should each training session be?+
Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Newfoundlands have lower energy levels and can lose interest in repetitive tasks; shorter, frequent sessions maintain their enthusiasm and fit their calm, deliberate nature better than long, intense workouts.
My Newfoundland drools a lot on the mat. Is that a problem?+
Not at all. Choose a washable, moisture-resistant mat or bed (rubber-backed or easy-clean fabric) to manage drooling. This is a breed-specific reality, and having a dedicated, easy-to-clean place encourages your dog to settle without stress for you or them.
Can I use "Place" to manage leash pulling on walks?+
Not directly, but "Place" builds impulse control and settling behavior that transfers to lead work. Combine "Place" training with loose-leash-walking practice. Newfoundlands respond well to clear structure, so mastering one command reinforces obedience across other areas, including the leash pulling many owners struggle with.