A single cue can transform a hectic home into a calm one. We dig into the place command—sending your dog to a defined spot and keeping them there until release—to solve jumpy greetings, counter-surfing, dinner chaos, and that jittery energy that spikes when the doorbell rings. Instead of a timeout, place gives your dog a job they understand and actually enjoy, because clear rules help them settle.

We break down the exact setup we use: why a raised cot outperforms blankets or towels, how to start with simple lured reps, and the cadence that works best—short, frequent sessions that stack wins. You’ll hear how we fade food without fading standards, and why returning to your dog before release teaches real relaxation. We share our staircase method for distractions, from a tossed treat to moving around the room to guests entering, all while keeping a leash on so you can prevent failure and keep confidence high.

We also dig into common sticking points—dogs creeping off soft mats, handlers repeating cues, and releasing from across the room—and show quick fixes that build reliability fast. Place doesn’t replace every behavior, but it does give you the most dependable boundary in busy homes and at social gatherings. Practice indoors, then proof outdoors to supercharge focus back inside. By the end, you’ll know how to extend duration without watching the clock, when to release early to protect the rep, and how to use calm praise to turn effort into a habit your dog chooses.

Want deeper guidance and community support? Join our free training space and check out the Place course that takes you from first rep to rock-solid stays before the price increases on January 1. If this helped, follow, share with a dog-loving friend, and leave a quick review—what’s the first moment you’ll use Place for this week?

Does your dog freeze when meeting others? Tremble during thunderstorms? Our monthly Q&A tackles these common challenges with straightforward, effective solutions that go beyond typical advice.

We kick off by decoding subtle body language signals that often precede negative reactions. That moment when your dog suddenly becomes statue-still during a greeting? It's not shyness—it's a warning sign that requires immediate attention. Unlike playful "play bows" that signal friendly intentions, sustained freezing often precedes aggression, giving you precious seconds to intervene before problems escalate.

For storm-anxious dogs, we challenge the conventional wisdom of comforting your pet. Counter-intuitive as it seems, your soothing words and petting actually reinforce their fear response. Instead, we explain how mental engagement and special high-value treats (reserved exclusively for stormy weather) can transform your dog's association with thunder from terror to anticipation. One client's dog now perks up at distant rumbles, knowing a special bone treat is coming!

The discussion moves to introducing dogs to new family members—whether human babies or furry additions. Our approach centers on coexistence without forced interaction, allowing relationships to develop naturally while maintaining boundaries. This patient method has prevented countless rehoming situations for our clients facing family transitions.

We also reveal our favorite training tools (e-collars and prong collars) and why they provide unmatched results when properly used, particularly for off-leash reliability and structured walks. And for high-energy dogs bouncing off walls, we share why mental stimulation often proves more effective than physical exercise alone.

Whether you're struggling with a specific behavior issue or simply want to deepen your understanding of canine communication, this episode delivers practical wisdom you can implement immediately. Join us on the first Friday of each month for more real-world solutions to your dog training questions!

🎙️ Episode 1: Live Trainer Chat — Dog Training Q&A with Tyler & Esther

In this first-ever live trainer chat, dog training experts Tyler and Esther answer real-time questions from dog owners tackling everyday behavior challenges. From stubborn recall and leash pulling to excessive barking, crate training, and potty accidents—this episode is packed with practical, no-fluff advice for raising a well-behaved pup.

They also dive into special topics like thunderstorm anxiety, introducing new puppies to existing pets, training older dogs, and working with nervous or non-food-motivated dogs. Throughout the session, Tyler and Esther emphasize the importance of consistency, mental stimulation, and using training tools with care and clarity.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your dog’s obedience, this episode offers clear, down-to-earth guidance you can put into action right away.

🐾 Real questions. Honest answers. Proven results.