Why “Mat / Place” Training Is a Must-Have for Your Puppy: Build Confidence, Calm & Connection
- Peter Bonney Director
- 4 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Teach your puppy place (mat) training with Bonnies’ proven positive reinforcement method. Learn why a “safe spot” is essential for calm, leash training, and long-term obedience.
Introduction
Welcome to a powerful, but often overlooked, piece of your puppy’s training toolbox: the mat, or “place,” command/training. At Bonnies Dog Obedience & Puppy School, we teach this early in our Puppy Magic classes — not as a trick, but as a foundation for emotional security, self-regulation, and stronger leash manners. When paired with our leash-training methods (like using a house leash and “foot on the leash”), Crate Training and use of a Playpen, place training becomes a key part of raising a confident, calm, and connected best mate.
Mat Training in the Context of the Bonnies "4 Safe Places"
At Bonnies Dog Obedience & Puppy School, we don’t teach tricks — we build foundations. One of the most important foundations for your puppy’s emotional health and training success is the concept of safe places. Our system is built on four key pillars:
The Playpen — a managed space during the early weeks of life to around 16 - 20 weeks of age
The Foot-on-Leash — building connection, boundaries, and calm on the lead for every place you go
The Mat / Place — a physical “settle spot” that grounds and reassures your puppy
While some of these change in relevance over time (for example, the playpen often becomes less necessary after around 20 weeks), the mat remains a powerful, everyday tool. In this article, we'll dive into what mat training is, how it supports your puppy’s development, and how it links directly to the leash training work you’re doing with Bonnies.
What Is “Place” / Mat Training — and Why It Matters
A mat or “place” is a physical anchor for your puppy — a reliable spot they can go to and settle on, especially when things get busy or stressful.
In our Puppy Magic program (for puppies 8–18 weeks) at Bonnies, we introduce the concept of a place early on. This gives puppies a consistent “safe zone” as they adapt to their new environment. Bonnies Dog Training
This isn’t just about obedience — it’s about emotional grounding. Teaching your puppy to lie on a mat helps them build impulse control, instead of bouncing around your feet or following you everywhere.
How Place Training Supports Confidence & Self-Control
When your puppy learns to go to their mat on cue, they learn to self-regulate — they understand that there is a place to calm down, rather than being reactive or anxious.
This builds emotional resilience, especially during disruptions like visitors, noisy moments, or transitions. Over time, the mat becomes a reliable signal: this is where I settle, where nothing bad happens.
In multi-pet homes, having defined “stations” for each dog can reduce tension and provide each animal with their own space to decompress.
When going out to a cafe/grandparents/school sports days ect, take and use the mat. I recommend you make the mat a very important part of your dogs life as this is a super anchor point for them and gives you peace of mind.
At our Puppy Magic courses we ask our clients to bring along a mat to start this important process
Integrating the Mat with Leash Training & “Foot on the Leash”
One of the most powerful aspects of the mat is how it complements leash training, especially using the techniques taught at Bonnies:
House Leash Introduction From Day 1 in our Puppy Training Blueprint, we recommend your puppy wears a lightweight house leash. Bonnies Dog Training This builds connection without pressure. UNDER SUPERVISION at all times. If your NOT watching the puppy then take it off.
Putting Your Foot on the Leash When your puppy is settled on their mat, you can practice the “foot on the leash” technique. This teaches calm behaviour under gentle boundary-setting — a key lesson for later walks.
Reward Calmness As part of leash training, rewarding calm behaviour while on the mat reinforces that being relaxed, even with a leash attached, is positive and safe.
Generalise the Behaviour Over time, you can ask your puppy to go to their mat in different contexts: indoors, during training, or before walks. This solidifies the mat as a signal for calm, whether you're on leash or not.
Use your Body Language Dogs learn with great use of body language so when directing your puppy to the Mat - Point and say their name followed by pointing to the mat and saying Mat. Once they move towards the mat or go on it use your MARKER - YES good girl/boy
Step-by-Step Guide: Teaching the Mat Command (Bonnies Style)
Here’s how to teach your puppy the mat/place command, aligned with the training philosophy at Bonnies:
Choose the Right Mat & Location
Pick a mat that’s comfortable and large enough for your puppy to lie on.
I like rubber backed mats where possible as this is great for hot ground or rough surfaces. One of our Senior Trainers, John, uses a sheepskin for his dog. Softy.
Place it in a low-traffic, calm area of your home — somewhere part of the action, but not chaotic.
Introduce & Reward
Lure and direct your puppy onto the mat using treats and body language
As soon as they step on, mark (with “yes!”) and reward. THIS IS A VITAL STEP.
Build Duration Gradually
Start with a few seconds using the command stay, then gradually increase. Using the STAY command is a great thing to introduce to your puppy at this stage and for this purpose. Use your hand signal - flat palm facing the puppy and the word Stay.
Reward calm behaviour (lying down, relaxing) rather than constant movement. If your foot is on the leash just ignore them unless there is a strong reason not too. Barking etc.
Add Your verbal and physical Cues
Once your puppy is reliably going to the mat, introduce a verbal cue like “place” or “mat”.
Be consistent with your cue word each session.
Our top list of MUST dos for ALL dog training is to be consistent
Practice Leash Integration
Gently apply the “foot on the leash” boundary, then reward calmness.
Proof for Duration & Distractions
Increase the time your puppy stays on the mat.
Practice in different rooms or with low-level distractions (family movement, doors, etc.).
Generalise Beyond Home
Bring the mat to different places (friends’ houses, backyard, low-stress outdoor spots).
This helps your puppy learn that wherever the mat is, it’s their safe spot.
I use this a lot when visitors come so my dog knows what to do and how to relax.
Why This Aligns with Bonnies’ Philosophy
At Bonnies, training isn’t just about obedience, but about connection, leadership, and emotional security.
Place training reinforces our core values: positive reinforcement, creating structure, and building a calm foundation for leash and life training.
By combining mat work with leash training from the beginning, you’re not just teaching commands — you’re building a thoughtful, trustworthy partnership with your puppy.
It also aligns with the Crate and Playpen training.
Make every place you go a place for your dog to be safe and happy - Place/mat training works
Common Pitfalls & Troubleshooting
Mat is ignored: Make the mat more attractive initially — use high-value treats, chew toys, or your scent.
Puppy leaves early: Use a calm but consistent release cue (“Free”,) rather than punishment. Gradually increase their stay time.
Over-reliance: Don’t use the mat as a “time-out” for long periods. The goal is training and emotional regulation, not confinement.
Generalisation fails: If your puppy only mat-trains in one room, bring the mat to different areas and reuse the cue. Consistency + variety builds reliability.
Connecting to Your Broader Training Journey
Leash Training: Mat training directly supports the leash-style training taught in Bonnies’ “Unleash the Secrets to Perfect Leash Training” article. When your puppy learns calm on their mat with leash attached, you're laying a strong foundation for polite walking.
Puppy Magic Course: Introduce mat/place training as part of your weekly routine during your Puppy Magic sessions. This aligns with your 6-week blueprint, giving your puppy a structured way to learn self-control. Bonnies Dog Training
Life Skills: Beyond class, your puppy’s mat becomes a portable coping tool — whether you're hosting guests, in the car, or visiting family. It’s more than a training prop; it’s a lifeline for their emotional stability.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Puppy Should Have Their Mat
Teaching your puppy to go to a mat is not just a trick — it’s a gift. It gives them a safe, reliable space. It builds impulse control. It bridges into leash training with calm, connected behaviour. And it strengthens your bond in a meaningful, long-term way.
If you’re part of Bonnies Puppy Magic, use your class + home sessions to reinforce place training. And if you’re interested in more tailored support, consider our group or 1-on-1 training options — we can help you weave mat work seamlessly into your puppy’s development.
Master Puppy Trainer Peter Bonney continues to develop new and additional training programs to our award winning Puppy Magic courses. BOOK NOW