Teaching “Place” in Tiny Spaces: A City Dog Owner’s Guide to Calm.
Hey there, fellow dog parent! 👋
When I first brought Bailey, my energetic Golden Retriever, to my 600-square-foot apartment in downtown Chicago, I quickly realized that “go to your place” would become the most valuable command in our toolkit. Not just for those moments when delivery people knocked or neighbors passed by, but for my sanity during work-from-home calls and those cozy evenings when we both needed some structure in our small space. https://citydoglife.blogspot.com/2025/01/understanding-and-stopping-your-dogs.
Why “Place” Is Your Small Space Superpower
Let me paint you a picture: It’s 9 AM, I’m on a crucial Zoom call, and someone’s dog starts barking in the hallway. Before learning “place,” Bailey would have launched into a symphony of barks, scratching at the door while I frantically apologized to my colleagues. Now? She calmly trots to her bed by the window, lies down, and watches the world go by. This isn’t just a command – it’s a lifestyle change for apartment dogs. https://saasaffiliate.com
Setting Up for Success
Choosing Your “Place”
In my case, trial and error taught me some valuable lessons. First, I tried designating Bailey’s place as a mat near my desk. Big mistake. Every keyboard click became an invitation for attention. Here’s what actually works:
- Choose a spot that’s visible from your main living area but slightly removed from high-traffic zones
- Make it cozy – I use a memory foam bed with raised edges that clearly define the space
- Consider your dog’s natural preferences. Bailey loved looking out windows, so her place became a bed near our bay window
The Physical Setup
Your apartment might be small, but you can make this work. I rearranged my entire living room to create Bailey’s perfect spot. Here’s what to consider:
- Ensure the spot isn’t in a draft or direct sunlight
- Keep it away from tempting areas like the kitchen
- Make sure your dog can see you from their place (this helps with anxiety)
The Training Journey: Our Day-by-Day Experience
Day 1: The Introduction
Remember, patience is everything. Our first day was mostly about making the place appealing:
- I scattered treats on Bailey’s new bed throughout the day
- Every time she naturally went near it, I praised her quietly
- I avoided forcing her onto the bed – let curiosity lead the way
The First Week: Building Foundation
Here’s where the real work began. I learned quickly that shorter sessions worked better than long ones:
- Started with basic luring: holding a treat above the bed
- Once she stepped on, immediate praise and treat
- Gradually increased duration, starting with just 3 seconds
- Added the word “place” only when she was reliably going to the bed
Pro tip: I kept a jar of treats near her place at first, which helped me reward quickly and consistently.
Common Setbacks (And How We Overcame Them)
The “But I Need to Check Everything” Phase
Bailey went through a period where she’d break her place command for every little sound. Solution? We practiced during intentionally distracting times, rewarding heavily for staying put.
The “Testing Boundaries” Stage
There was a week when Bailey decided that “place” meant “sit near the bed.” I had to go back to basics, only rewarding when all four paws were on the bed. Consistency was key.
Real-Life Applications
Working From Home
Now, Bailey knows that when my laptop opens, it’s place time. We built this association gradually:
- Short work sessions with frequent rewards
- Gradually extending duration
- Teaching a release word (“free”) for breaks
Visitor Management
Living in an apartment means lots of hallway traffic. We practiced “place”:
- When neighbors passed by (visible through our peephole)
- During delivery arrivals
- When friends visited (the hardest test!)
Making It Stick in a Small Space
The Power of Routine
In our small apartment, routine became our best friend. Bailey’s place command became part of our daily rhythm:
- Morning coffee? Place time
- Evening TV? Place time
- Cooking dinner? Definitely place time
Creating Distance in Small Spaces
Even in my tiny apartment, we practiced distance work:
- Started with me standing right next to her place
- Gradually moved to the couch
- Worked up to me being in the kitchen while she stayed in place
- Finally, managed to work with me in my home office while she remained in her living room place
Beyond Basic Training: Real Life in Small Spaces
The beauty of the place command in an apartment isn’t just about having a well-trained dog – it’s about creating harmony in a small space. These days, Bailey’s place isn’t just somewhere she goes on command; it’s her own special spot where she chooses to relax.
Our Daily Reality Now
- Morning: Bailey automatically goes to her place while I get ready for work
- During calls: One quiet hand signal, and she’s in her spot
- Evening relaxation: She has a calm space to observe family time
The Unexpected Benefits
Teaching “place” in our apartment has done more than just give Bailey a command to follow – it’s given her confidence. She knows she has a space that’s completely hers in our small home. The command has become less of a command and more of a lifestyle.
For Those Tough Days
Remember, some days will be harder than others. When Bailey is having an off day, I remind myself of how far we’ve come. Progress isn’t linear, especially in small spaces where distractions are amplified.
Final Thoughts from a Fellow Apartment Dog Parent
Teaching “place” in a small space isn’t just about the command itself – it’s about creating a happy, functional home for both you and your dog. It takes time, patience, and plenty of treats, but the result is worth every moment of training.
Bailey and I have found our rhythm in our small space, and her place command has become more than just a training success – it’s become the foundation of our harmonious apartment life. Remember, your space might be small, but the impact of this training is huge.
Whether you’re just starting out or fine-tuning your place command, remember that every dog learns differently, and that’s okay. The key is consistency, patience, and lots of love. After all, we’re not just training a command – we’re creating a happy home in our small spaces.
