Teaching “Place”
🐾 The Foundation for Calm, Controlled Dogs
One of the most powerful cues you can teach any dog is Place — teaching your dog to go to a designated surface and settle there until released. This skill builds:
Impulse control
Confidence
Clear spatial awareness
Calm focus in distracting environments
Place training isn’t just a trick — it’s a life skill that helps dogs stay regulated when guests arrive, during mealtime, while you prepare food, or simply when the world around them gets exciting or overstimulating. (Kuranda)
🎯 What “Place” Really Teaches Your Dog
Unlike sit or down, Place requires the dog to:
Approach a specific target
Recognize a defined boundary
Stay in position until released
This helps dogs understand where they are relative to the environment — a concept trainers refer to as spatial awareness — which makes settling easier and more dependable.
Traditional beds and mats often lie flat on the floor with little definition, which can lead to:
Dogs hovering with paws off the target
Dogs creeping forward one paw at a time
Dogs misinterpreting the cue
A defined, elevated surface makes the cue clearly detectable with every step on and step off — so dogs know exactly when they are “on” and when they are “off” Place. (Kuranda)
🛏 Why the Right Bed Matters for Place Training
Not all dog beds are created equal when it comes to training.
What makes a great Place bed?
✔ Clear physical distinction — the dog feels the boundary
✔ Stable, non-collapsing surface — no guesswork on where to settle
✔ Durable build — so it lasts through training and daily use
✔ Easy to clean — because training surfaces need to stay fresh
This is where Kuranda elevated dog beds shine.
📈 Training Benefits of Elevated Beds
Raised beds help with Place training because:
Dogs must step up onto the surface, giving them body awareness
The elevated position creates a clear on/off target, reducing confusion
The surface doesn’t collapse under weight, so dogs learn to settle rather than sink
Trainers report better duration holds and reduced creeping off the bed (Paragon Service Dogs)
Many professional trainers use elevated beds for this reason — because the design reinforces the concept of being “in the spot” with every repetition.
💪 Built Tough for Real Dogs (No Fluff Bedding Here)
If your dog tends to destroy beds, you already know how frustrating it can be to constantly replace soft bedding. Kuranda beds are engineered differently:
Frames are tough and chew-resistant
Fabric is inserted into a secure channel so edges aren’t exposed
There are no exposed seams for determined chewers to grab
Rinse-clean materials are easy to maintain
Traditional beds with loose stuffing or soft padding become chew targets — which defeats both training and durability. Kuranda beds are built for real-world use, in homes, kennels, and training environments. (Follow My Lead)
❤️ More Than Just a Bed — A Mission
Kuranda also gives back through programs that donate beds to shelters and rescues, ensuring dogs in need have a safe, elevated place to rest — even those who might otherwise destroy soft beds or go without. That mission-driven design aligns with how we train and care for every dog: with structure, dignity, and respect. (Kuranda)
🧠 A Worthwhile Investment
You might notice Kuranda beds cost more than typical dog beds — and that’s because they’re not typical bedding. You’re investing in:
Training clarity (Place becomes easier)
Longevity (fewer replacements)
Durability (stand up to chewers and heavy use)
Structure (helps dogs settle reliably)
A quality elevated bed often pays for itself over time by eliminating constant replacement and by improving training outcomes.
🐶 Try It for Your Next Training Session
Teaching Place becomes so much smoother when your dog clearly understands where the cue ends and the world begins. That confidence translates to better focus, better behavior, and more reliable settling — whether you’re working on impulse control, relaxation, or daily routines.
👉 Check out Kuranda elevated beds — built for training success and everyday use:
🛏️ Elevated Dog Beds That Support Place Training & Durability
When teaching the Place command, the right surface makes all the difference. Elevated beds help dogs clearly understand where to settle — and Kuranda beds are built to last through training, everyday use, and even heavy chewing.
All links below use your affiliate tracking URL, so you get credit for every sale.
⭐ Best for Most Dogs & Everyday Training
Kuranda Standard Elevated PVC Dog Bed
Great all-around bed — firm, elevated, and easy to clean. A reliable choice for Place work and daily rest.
👉 See the Standard Kuranda Elevated Bed →
💪 Ultimate Chew-Resistant Option
Kuranda Chew-Proof Aluminum Dog Bed
The most durable elevated bed Kuranda offers — perfect for strong dogs and determined chewers. Ideal if Place training is part of your long-term routine.
👉 Check the Chew-Proof Kuranda Bed →
🐕 For Crates & Smaller Spaces
Kuranda Elevated Crate Bed
Fits inside crates and small spaces — keeps dogs off hard floors and gives a clear surface for Place training even in confined environments.
👉 Explore Kuranda Crate Beds →
☀️ Outdoor & High-Traffic Use
Kuranda Outdoor Elevated Bed
Durable and easy to clean — great for outdoor runs, garages, training yards, and homes with multiple dogs.
👉 View Outdoor Kuranda Beds →
🧠 Choosing the Right Bed
Trainer Tip:
If your dog has ever destroyed a soft bed or seems unsure about Place, an elevated bed with a firm surface will:
✔ Give them a clear perimeter to understand the target
✔ Teach spatial awareness through every step on/off
✔ Stand up to everyday wear and chewing
Most dogs — especially strong or high-drive breeds — settle faster and more reliably on elevated beds than on flat mats or soft pillows.
💸 Budget-Friendlier Elevated Options (Good for Place — Not Great for Chewers)
Coolaroo Pet Bed Pro HeatShield – Lightweight, breathable, and easy to clean. Great starter elevated bed for Place training as long as your dog isn’t a heavy chewer. Coolaroo beds promote airflow and comfort.
Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed – A classic budget elevated cot with breathable mesh and a steel frame. Best for dogs that need a simple elevated surface and don’t chew bedding aggressively.