How to Teach a Samoyed the Place Command
The "place" command is an invaluable tool for managing Samoyeds, especially given their lively temperament and tendency toward excessive barking. This intermediate obedience skill teaches your Samoyed to settle on a designated mat or bed and hold a relaxed stay—providing a constructive outlet for their high energy (75 minutes daily exercise recommended) and giving them a clear, calm role when they might otherwise engage in digging, escaping, or vocalization. Samoyeds are intelligent but can display a stubborn streak, so this guide uses positive-reinforcement methods tailored to their friendly, social nature. With patience and consistency, the "place" command transforms your Samoyed's natural desire to be near you into a calm, manageable behavior.
Step-by-step
- 1
Establish a dedicated mat or bed
Choose a specific, consistent spot—a dog bed, yoga mat, or blanket in a low-traffic area of your home. Let your Samoyed explore it freely for several days without pressure, building positive associations with the location. Place treats nearby to encourage natural interest in the space.
- 2
Lure your Samoyed onto the mat with rewards
Use high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese) to encourage your dog to step onto the mat. Immediately reward with praise and a treat the moment all four paws touch it. Repeat this 5–10 times per short training session, keeping sessions brief (3–5 minutes) to match their lively, shorter attention span.
- 3
Introduce the verbal cue 'place'
Once your Samoyed reliably walks onto the mat, say 'place' just before they step on it, then immediately reward. After 2–3 days of repetition, your dog will associate the word with the action. This straightforward positive association works well with Samoyeds' friendly, eager-to-please nature.
- 4
Build duration on the mat gradually
Once your dog understands 'place,' reward them for staying on the mat for 5–10 seconds before releasing them. Slowly increase the duration by 5–10 seconds each day. Use calm, encouraging praise while they remain in place to reinforce the relaxed stay behavior.
- 5
Add distance and mild distractions
Gradually move a few feet away while your Samoyed holds the place command, then return and reward. Slowly introduce minor distractions (a toy nearby, another family member moving) to proof the behavior. Samoyeds can become distracted by activity, so build resistance to their barking and escape impulses gradually.
- 6
Practice in varied contexts and reinforce consistency
Once your dog reliably responds in your main training area, practice 'place' in different rooms and eventually outdoors. Use intermittent rewards and occasional surprise treats to maintain motivation. Consistency from all family members is crucial—Samoyeds respond well to predictable, positive-reinforcement routines.
Pro tips
- Use intermittent, surprise rewards once 'place' is solid—Samoyeds love unpredictability and will stay engaged longer if treats aren't always guaranteed.
- Train before meals or major exercise sessions when your Samoyed is slightly calmer; their high energy makes post-exercise training sessions easier to manage.
- Practice 'place' in a mat location away from windows and doors to help prevent barking at outdoor activity—position their bed in a calm zone of your home.
Frequently asked questions
My Samoyed keeps jumping off the mat. How do I stop this?+
This is normal—don't scold or force them back on. Instead, calmly reset and try again with a shorter duration (just 2–3 seconds). Once they succeed, immediately reward. Samoyeds respond better to positive motivation than correction, and building success gradually prevents frustration.
Should I use the 'place' command to stop barking?+
The 'place' command is most effective as a preventive management tool, not a punishment. Reward your Samoyed for settling quietly on their mat, which redirects their energy and naturally reduces excessive barking. This positive approach aligns with their social, eager-to-please temperament.
How often should I practice this with my Samoyed?+
Aim for 2–3 short sessions per day (3–5 minutes each), 5 days a week. Given their high energy level and moderate trainability, frequent short sessions work better than one long session. Consistency across these sessions builds the habit faster.
Can 'place' help with my Samoyed's digging and escape behavior?+
Yes. A well-trained 'place' command provides structured calm time and mental engagement, which reduces boredom-driven digging and escape attempts. Combined with the 75 minutes of daily exercise Samoyeds need, it's an effective management tool for these stubborn, energetic tendencies.