Place work is a true keystone activity to teach and practice with your dog - the best way to create a relaxed and calm state of mind.

By capturing the natural body motion for rest and nurturing a calm state of mind with affection, we can begin to ask our dogs to relax on request. Initially we use a bed, mat or other form of place bed to encourage our dogs to take some time out and switch off. Over time, this skill can be applied in any number of different places and scenarios - to nurture calmness and neutrality in the real world.

In this video, we demonstrate place work with Charlie, who has practiced the skill for many Years, Théo, who has been practicing the skill sporadically for a few months, and Layla - who is new to the activity.

When observing Charle and Théo, you should see that both dogs are able to move onto the bed, through the motion of the sit and straight into lying down in a relaxed, comfortable way. The resting motion is scruffy and asymmetrical, and neither of the dogs should be in anticipation of a stimulus. This is a true resting state - an “off switch” that helps your dogs regulate excitement and stress.

When Observing Layla, who is a High Energy, High Excitement working dog, you should observe that the motion of rest is very difficult for her to achieve naturally. She has a strong tendency to redirect excitement, which means moving her energy from one activity to another without ‘letting go’ of it. Whilst redirection is not in itself problematic, if a dog over practices this skill they can begin to find it increasingly difficult to relax, which over time can create higher levels of stress and anxiety. This habit is much more common in working dogs.