.png)
Teaching Your Dog to Stay Calm and Confident: The Power of Place Targeting & Walk Away
- k9HS - Carlos F Morales
- Apr 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 2
Hello hello, Pet Parents! Carlos here.
If your dog struggles to settle when you walk away, leaps off the couch every time you stand up, or follows you like a shadow, you’re not alone. Teaching your pup how to stay calm when you move around is one of the most valuable skills you can offer—especially for dogs prone to overexcitement, reactivity, or separation-related behaviors.
In this post, we’ll break down how to use place targeting and the walk away exercise to build calm habits at home. These simple, force-free training techniques encourage your dog to stay grounded and confident, even when you're not right next to them.
Why teach place targeting?
Place targeting means teaching your dog to go to a specific location—like a mat or bed—and settle there calmly. Unlike a traditional “stay,” place work doesn’t rely on constant repetition or a release cue. Instead, it fosters long-lasting impulse control and helps your dog self-soothe when they see you walk away.
The benefits:
Encourages calm behavior during exciting moments (like guests arriving)
Gives your dog a job they can understand and succeed at
Helps prevent jumping, pacing, barking, and following
Builds emotional regulation without needing harsh corrections
Step-by-step: Teaching the basics
Here’s an overview of our Online Course on how to get started with this calm and effective practice:
1. Choose your place
Pick a mat, bed, or low platform with a texture your dog can recognize. Fleece, bath mats, or crate pads all work well.
Tip: Use the same mat each time to help your dog generalize more easily.
2. Lure and reward
Stand near the mat, lure your dog on with a treat, and mark the moment all four paws land with a cheerful “Yes!” Reward while they stay put. Then release and reset.
3. Add duration
Once your dog is confidently moving to their spot, wait a few seconds before rewarding. Gradually increase the time they remain in place before marking and treating.
4. Begin walking away
Now that your dog can stay on the mat briefly, start taking a small step back before returning to mark “Yes!” and reward. Slowly increase the number of steps or time away.
Watch for signs of struggle (fidgeting, standing up, barking). If that happens, go back to the previous level of difficulty.
Don't forget, we have Online Courses on this topic with in-depth information that is explained step-by-step for you.
Join the Place Targeting & Walk Away Exercise Online Course!
Timing your markers
Use a clear marker word like “Yes!” when your dog succeeds. Say it at the exact moment they do what you want (like staying on the mat as you turn around or step away). This builds confidence and tells your dog, “That! That’s what earns the treat!”
Your “Yes!” should come within 1 second of the correct behavior. If you’re too slow, your dog may get confused about what you’re rewarding.
Correcting gently with “Uh-uh”
If your dog gets up too early, gently say “Uh-uh,” then pause and guide them back with minimal fuss. You’re not scolding—you’re giving clear feedback that helps your dog learn boundaries in a safe and encouraging way.
Always follow with another chance to succeed. Your dog should never feel punished—just redirected.
Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Rewarding too slowly or inconsistently
❌ Making the steps too hard, too fast
❌ Using “Uh-uh” too often without resetting the situation
❌ Accidentally reinforcing excited behavior with attention
Final tips for success
✅ Keep training sessions short—5 to 10 minutes max
✅ Practice in calm, quiet environments before adding distractions
✅ Use high-value treats at first, then mix in praise, petting, or real-life rewards
✅ Make sure your dog feels safe and successful at every step
Final Thoughts
Pet parents, teaching your dog to stay calm and settled—even when you walk away—is one of the best gifts you can give. Place targeting and the walk away exercise help build real-world emotional control, not just obedience. And the best part? It’s simple to learn, easy to practice, and doesn’t require any force or frustration.
Have questions or want step-by-step support? I’m here to help you and your pup thrive.
Carlos F. Morales – CDBC | CPDT-KA
Carlos is the head trainer at Canine High School in Long Beach, CA, a force-free Puppy School and Dog School. He is responsible for creating the school's Dog Training System, Curriculum, and Philosophy. In addition to educating his canine students and their human parents, he runs a teaching school that offers apprenticeship and internship programs for aspiring professional dog trainers. He is a Certified Mentor Trainer for several dog training schools and holds certifications with the IAABC and the CCPDT. He lives in Long Beach, CA, in a little house by the beach with his human, his three dogs GoGo, Kiba, Choji, and a sassy cat, Habibti.
Comments