Step-by-Step Guide: Using a Place Board for Effective Dog Training

Training your dog to follow commands, stay focused, and understand boundaries can be a challenge. Using a Place Board makes this easier by creating a target area that communicates where you want your dog to go and stay. Whether you’re aiming to improve obedience, sharpen recall, or train a working gundog, place boards are a versatile tool.

In this guide from Anglian Dog Works (ADW), we’ll explore step-by-step techniques for successful dog place board training.

What is a Place Board?

The Purpose of a Dog Place Board

A dog place board is a raised platform that provides a distinct surface for training. It gives your dog a clear physical boundary, helping them understand where they should be in relation to you, their handler. This is especially useful for training recall, sit-stay, and steadiness—core skills in obedience and gundog training.

Using a dog training platform can help pet dogs and working dogs alike understand commands more clearly, respond more reliably, and add motivation and enjoyment to your sessions. 

Getting started with your Dog Training Platform

Equipment You’ll Need

To get started with place board dog training, gather the following items:

• Place Board: Ensure the board is non-slip and sturdy to give your dog confidence.
• High-Value Treats: Cut into pea-sized pieces for easy reward access.
• Training Lead and Collar or Harness: Keeps your dog focused during the early stages.
• Treat Pouch: For convenience during training sessions.

Choosing the Right Dog Place Board

When selecting a place board, look for one with a textured surface that’s raised slightly above ground making it easier to spot . This unique feel distinguishes it from the surrounding area, helping your dog recognize it as a target zone. 

One standout feature of The Anglian Dog Works Place Board is the board’s sturdiness, which minimizes any risk of slipping or tipping. This added stability gives your dog the confidence to target the board with drive, making each training session more effective and safe. A well-designed, stable place board like this one supports precise training while helping dogs build trust in their surroundings.

How to use a place board for dog training?

Introduce Your Dog to the Place Board Using the T.A.R.G.E.T Method

At Anglian Dog Works, we use our T.A.R.G.E.T method to help dogs learn the fundamentals of place board training quickly and effectively. In the early stages, this involves guiding your dog to recognize the board as a positive, rewarding spot through simple luring and rewarding techniques.

1. Teach with Luring: Start by holding a treat near your dog’s nose, slowly leading them onto the board until all four paws are in place. Once they’re on the board, encourage them to sit, marking the behaviour by saying “good” and rewarding with a treat.

2. Build Positive Associations: Reinforce your dog’s success by offering multiple treats while they stay on the board. Gradually increase the time they remain seated to build patience and steadiness, creating a strong connection to the board as a “hotspot” for rewards.

3. Encourage Independence: As your dog becomes comfortable, remove the food lure. Guide them with hand signals, rewarding only once they sit on the board on their own. This step fosters independence and sets the foundation for more advanced training.

For a detailed breakdown, check out our Place Board Training Guide.

Advanced Place Board Drills

Teach Reliable Recall Using the Place Board

Recall is one of the most valuable commands that can be taught using a dog place board training. The place board acts as a precise target for your dog’s return, helping them come back directly in front of you.

Here's a simple Place Board exercise you can try to improve your dogs recall once they are T.A.R.G.E.T trained:

1. Position the Place Board: Place the board at your feet and ask your dog to sit on it.
2. Release and Recall: Throw a treat a few feet behind them and release them from the board, when they're eaten the food, blow three short whistles then cue “Place” to recall them back.
3. Reward Upon Return: As they step back onto the place board, reward with praise and a treat.

This training builds the reflex for a straight, reliable recall and encourages your dog to return to the designated spot.

Gundog Training Exercises with Place Boards

For gundog training, place boards are instrumental in teaching dogs to respond precisely to cues. 

Example Exercises Using Place Boards include:

1. Directional Commands

   • Teach dogs to move left, right, or back in response to hand gestures, using the place board as a target to help them learn directional cues for gundog work.

2. Recall to the Place Board

   • Practice recall by positioning the place board in front of you; the dog learns to return directly to the board and sit precisely in front of the handler.

3. Sit-Stay and Steadiness

   • Reinforce the sit-stay command by asking the dog to remain on the board as you add distance, distractions, and duration, building reliability even in high-distraction environments.

4. Send aways

   • Progressively increase the distance from which you send the dog to the place board, teaching them to independently run and sit on it without the handler moving alongside.

5. Stop Whistle 

   • Pair the whistle with stopping on the board: recall the dog, blow the whistle, and have them automatically sit on the board, conditioning a precise response to the whistle.

6. Multiple Distractions ("Distraction Alley")

   • Set up distractions (toys, food) beside or behind the place board to teach the dog to focus on the board rather than the distractions as they navigate a “distraction alley.”

7. Retrieve to Hand

   • Using the board as a target, train the dog to retrieve an item, deliver it to hand, and sit on the board upon return, enhancing steadiness and control.

8. Proofing Against Movement

   • Challenge sit-stay by introducing small movements (e.g., lifting a foot, stepping back), teaching the dog to remain seated on the board even as you change positions.

Final Tips for Successful Place Board Dog Training

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Moving Too Fast: Ensure your dog masters each step before progressing.
2. Inconsistent Commands: Use the same verbal cues every time, like “Place” for stepping on and “OK” for release.
3. Insufficient Practice: Repetition reinforces behaviours, so practice regularly.

Why Place Board Training Works for Any Dog

Place board training isn’t just for working dogs. Whether you’re training a family pet or a gundog, place boards offer a structured, clear way to teach essential skills. Your dog will learn to stay steady, follow commands with enthusiasm, and feel rewarded in every session. At Anglian Dog Works, we believe that the place board can help every dog learn faster, with more confidence and focus.