What Size Are Gundog Place Boards?

What Size Are Gundog Place Boards?

Place boards are a powerful tool for training dogs, particularly gundogs. They serve as a raised, defined area that guides your dog’s training, providing both a visual and tactile cue for where they should be. A standard place board typically measures 60 x 40 cm and is 10 cm high, making it a suitable size for a wide range of breeds and sizes of dogs.

Why Use a Raised Place Board for Training?

A raised platform is beneficial for training as it provides both a clear boundary for the dog and tactile feedback. Unlike a simple mat or carpet tile, which were commonly used in traditional obedience classes, the raised edges of a place board make it easier for you to see if your dog has all four paws in the correct position. This makes training exercises like sit-stay, recall, and gundog heelwork more precise.

Key Benefits of a Raised Dog Training Platform:

• Clear Visual Boundary: The edges ensure your dog stays in the designated area.
• Tactile Feedback: The textured surface helps the dog differentiate between the platform and the ground, aiding in understanding where they should be for a reward.
• Improved Precision: Training for behaviours like heelwork or retrieving becomes more accurate when the dog knows exactly where to position their body. The rectangular shape and dimensions (40 x 60cm) of the Anglian Dog Works Place Board top encourage a straight posture.
  
  

Types of Behaviours Trained with a Place Board

A place board can be used to train both seated  behaviours:

Seated behaviour examples:

• Sit-Stay
• Retrieve to Hand
• Recall Returns

Using a place board for seated commands teaches the dog to associate the platform with a stable, positive place, encouraging steadiness and focus.

Pivot Boxes

A pivot box is another type of training platform used to teach standing behaviours. Typically smaller, measuring 30 x 30 cm, a pivot box aids in precision training, allowing for sharp turns and heelwork improvements.

Standing behaviour examples:

• Heelwork Turns
• Pivot Training
• Return to Heel

Choosing the Right Size Place Board for Your Dog

The size of the place board you use may depend on the breed and the behaviour you want to train. Here’s a breakdown:

• Standard Size: A typical 60 x 40 cm place board suits most breeds, providing ample space without losing precision.

• Smaller Breeds: If working with a smaller dog or focusing on intricate tasks like pivoting, a smaller board or a pivot box measuring 30 x 30 cm might be more effective.

• Larger Breeds or Multiple Dogs: For larger breeds or training sessions involving multiple dogs, you can use two place boards side by side to create a larger target area.

How to Use Place Boards in Gundog Training

For gundogs, the precision a place board offers is invaluable. It’s essential for behaviours such as lining up for a retrieve and ensuring correct positioning in heelwork.

Training Steps for Gundog Heelwork Using a Place Board

1. Introduce the Place Board: Start by guiding your dog onto the board using a lure. Reward when they position all four paws on the board.
2. Reinforce the Behavior: Use consistent commands like "Place" to cue the dog to sit on the board.
3. Practice Positioning: Use the board to ensure your dog sits straight or aligns correctly for heelwork. Reward accuracy with praise and treats.
4. Add Complexity: As your dog masters the basics, introduce distractions or multiple boards for distance handling to challenge their focus, accuracy and understanding of the cue/target.

The Role of Place Boards in Behavioural Precision

The place board’s raised platform allows you, as a handler, to easily identify if a paw is out of place, making it an ideal tool for training accurate behaviours. For example, during heelwork, having your dog positioned straight is vital for competitive and field success. The place board makes it easy to check alignment from a distance visually.

Additional Advantages of Using a Place Board:

• Encourages dogs to run back to a specific point, which is critical in recall training.
• Helps in reinforcing steadiness during training sessions when they need to ignore distractions.
• Acts as a clear indicator for both the dog and the handler when a behaviour is performed correctly.

Why Precision Matters in Gundog Training

In gundog training, accuracy and steadiness are essential. Whether you’re practising sit-stay or teaching a dog to retrieve to hand, a place board ensures your dog understands where they should be at all times. The tactile feedback and visual boundary provided by the raised platform contribute to building reliable and precise behaviours that are critical for gundog work.

For example, Place Boards can be used in training to teach a straight sit. 

When lining a dog up for a retrieve, a dog that's sitting in a straight position at heel will send where you intended. Comparatively, a dog in a wonky sit, may not be looking where you want them to and go way off course. 

How to Transition from a Place Board to the Field

Once your dog consistently performs well on the place board, the next step is to phase out the platform and apply the training to a more natural environment. Here’s how:

Gradually Lower the Platform: As your dog gains confidence, transition to a lower surface, such as just a rectangle of artificial grass, before eliminating the platform altogether.

The idea with using a Place Board as a target is the dog will accrue so many successful repetitions, that these lessons will apply as the target is smaller or gone. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between a place board and a pivot box?

A place board is generally larger and used for broader training tasks like sit-stay or recall. A pivot box is smaller and used for precise movements like heelwork pivots or teaching a dog to turn sharply on command.

Q: Can I make my own place board at home?

Yes! A DIY place board can be made using materials like a sturdy top, covered with non-slip material such as artificial grass for grip. Make sure it is secured with glue and fastenings in a way that it won't lift over time; a slip could damage your dog's confidence or cause injury.

Ensure it’s raised 10 cm off the ground for optimal training effectiveness.
Use treated timber for the base, so that it won't degrade when used on wet grass.