How to Teach a Rhodesian Ridgeback the Place Command
The Place command is especially valuable for Rhodesian Ridgebacks, whose strong-willed and independent nature can make them challenging to redirect once they've decided on an activity. This intermediate obedience skill teaches your Ridgeback to go to a designated mat or bed and settle into a calm, relaxed stay—a foundation that helps manage their natural prey drive and high energy levels. With their dignified temperament and low barking tendency, Ridgebacks respond well to structured routines but require consistent, patience-based training since they're less eager to please than many breeds. Mastering Place gives you a reliable tool to channel their energy productively and prevent unwanted behaviors, while respecting their independent spirit. This guide uses only positive reinforcement to build genuine compliance.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose the Right Mat and Location
Select a specific mat, bed, or rug in a low-traffic area where your Ridgeback can see the family but won't be constantly stimulated. A larger mat works best for this big breed, giving them comfortable space to stretch. Place it in a spot that's easy for you to reinforce consistently—ideally visible from where you spend most time.
- 2
Build Positive Association with the Mat
Scatter high-value treats (chicken, cheese, or liver) directly on the mat and let your Ridgeback discover them naturally without any command. Repeat this for 3–4 days so the mat becomes synonymous with good things. This taps into their food motivation while respecting their independence—they choose to engage rather than being commanded.
- 3
Introduce the Place Cue and Lure
Once treats on the mat are expected, use a consistent verbal cue like "Place" paired with a hand gesture (finger point works well for prideful Ridgebacks who respond to direction). Immediately toss a treat onto the mat to lure them there, then mark the behavior with "Yes!" the moment they step on it. Repeat 10–15 repetitions in short sessions.
- 4
Build Duration with Gradual Settling
As your Ridgeback reliably goes to the mat, begin rewarding them for staying calm on it for a few seconds before treating. Given their high energy, start with just 5–10 seconds and slowly extend to 30 seconds over 2–3 weeks. Reward stillness frequently and calmly—Ridgebacks respect consistency and often need time to understand the quiet behavior you're requesting.
- 5
Add Distance and Distractions Slowly
Once your dog settles for 30+ seconds, gradually increase your distance from the mat (step back 1–2 feet at a time) and introduce mild distractions like walking past or opening a door. Reward any maintained Place position. This fights their stubborn nature by making the behavior feel self-rewarding rather than imposed.
- 6
Test Reliability in Real-World Scenarios
Practice Place during realistic situations like meal prep, doorbell ringing, or family activity to prove it works when you need it most. Keep treat rewards nearby and reinforce frequently—Ridgebacks won't perform reliably on faith alone and need to see the payoff. After 4–6 weeks of consistent daily practice, most respond well to this command.
- 7
Maintain with Intermittent Reinforcement
Once solid, switch to intermittent rewards (treat every 2–3 times instead of every time) to keep the behavior strong without creating treat dependency. Refresh practice 2–3 times weekly, as independent breeds can forget rules they don't see a reason to follow.
Pro tips
- Exercise your Ridgeback *before* training sessions: their high energy and independent nature mean a tired dog is a cooperative dog. Aim for 30–45 minutes of off-leash or fetch activity, then move to Place practice within the hour while they're mentally receptive.
- Use rare, high-value rewards (fresh chicken, freeze-dried liver) specific to Place training—never use them elsewhere. Ridgebacks respond to exclusivity; if they only get that premium treat on their mat, compliance skyrockets. Switching treat types keeps them guessing and engaged.
- Keep training sessions under 5 minutes and practice only 2–3 times daily. Their independent streak means they tune out repetitive work quickly, and forced repetition breeds resentment. Short, successful sessions maintain their dignity and your relationship better than marathon training.
Frequently asked questions
My Ridgeback gets bored on the mat and leaves. How do I prevent this?+
Ridgebacks have high energy and need mental engagement; use puzzle toys or a chew on the mat to keep them interested while settling. Keep Place sessions short (5–10 minutes) and rotate what reward they get so novelty doesn't wear off. Their aloofness means they're not motivated by your company alone, so environmental enrichment is key.
Should I use the Place command when my Ridgeback misbehaves, or only as a reward?+
Use Place primarily as a positive, rewarding event—never as a punishment or timeout. Ridgebacks will resent being sent away as a corrective measure and may refuse the command entirely. Reserve it for times when they'll be rewarded and feel successful, building their willingness to comply despite their independent nature.
How do I handle my Ridgeback's prey drive if they see something distracting?+
Start Place training in a quiet, controlled environment with no competing stimuli. Once solid, practice in gradually busier settings, but always set your dog up to succeed—don't ask them to hold Place while a squirrel runs by initially. Their prey drive is very real; respect it by building reliability incrementally.
What's the best time of day to train, given their 75-minute daily exercise needs?+
Train *after* a good exercise session (30–45 minutes of walking or fetch) when their physical energy is partly spent. A tired Ridgeback will settle more easily on the mat and focus better on learning. Training a high-energy, under-exercised Ridgeback is an uphill battle—frontload movement first.
My Ridgeback knows Place but only obeys if I have treats visible. Is that normal?+
Completely normal for this breed. Ridgebacks are transactional learners and won't perform behaviors 'just because'—they need to see the value. Keep treats nearby for ongoing reinforcement and gradually thin the schedule (reward less frequently) over months, but expect to always have treats accessible during practice.