This simple skill can calm chaos, improve obedience, and make your life with a Schnauzer so much smoother.
If you could teach your Schnauzer one command that would make life calmer, easier, and more enjoyable for both of you, this is it.
It’s called the “Place” command, and once your Schnauzer masters it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Picture this: your doorbell rings, and instead of your furry tornado launching into their usual chaos symphony, they calmly trot to their designated spot and settle down like the well-mannered pup you always knew they could be.
No more wrestling matches at the front door, no more apologizing to guests for tiny paw prints on their clothes, and no more wondering if you’re raising a dog or a four-legged hurricane.
This isn’t just wishful thinking, it’s what happens when you harness the power of one simple but transformative command that works like magic for the Schnauzer personality.
What Exactly is the “Place” Command?
The “Place” command tells your dog to go to a specific spot (such as a dog bed, mat, rug, or even a towel) and stay there until you release them.
It’s not just “go over there.” It’s “go over there… and stay calmly until I say you’re free.”
Think of it as creating an invisible force field around a designated area where your Schnauzer transforms from a bouncing ball of energy into a zen master of patience. The beauty lies in its simplicity: one word, one action, endless applications.
For a bright, energetic breed like the Miniature Schnauzer, that’s a superpower. It’s like giving them their own personal pause button that actually works.
Why It’s Perfect for Schnauzers
Schnauzers are whip-smart and full of personality. They’re the kind of dogs that seem to have opinions about everything, from the mailman’s daily route to the way you arranged the couch cushions. But they’re also curious, alert, and sometimes a little too eager to be part of the action, kind of like that friend who insists on helping in the kitchen but mostly just gets in the way.
That boundless enthusiasm can manifest as:
- Jumping on guests like they’re long-lost relatives
- Barking at the door as if announcing the arrival of foreign dignitaries
- Getting underfoot during mealtime, convinced they’re the official food inspector
- Shadowing you around the house when you just need a moment to think
- Treating every delivery truck like a personal threat to national security
The “Place” command gives them a clear job to do in these moments, and Schnauzers absolutely love having a job. It satisfies their need to be useful while giving you back control of your household. It’s a win-win that speaks directly to their eager-to-please nature.
5 Reasons Every Schnauzer Should Learn “Place”
1. Instant Calm for an Excitable Dog
Whether it’s the doorbell, the sound of their leash jangling, or the crinkle of a treat bag from three rooms away, Schnauzers can rev from 0 to 60 in seconds flat. They go from peaceful naptime to DEFCON 1 faster than you can say “who’s a good boy?”
The “Place” command works like a calm button, helping them settle without scolding or raising your voice. Instead of trying to talk them down from their excitement high, you simply redirect that energy into a structured behavior they understand. It’s like having a remote control for your dog’s enthusiasm levels.
2. Better Manners Around Guests
No more frantic greetings that leave visitors wondering if they’ve entered a dog training facility or a small tornado testing site. No more accidental scratches from excited paws or awkward explanations about your “friendly” dog’s enthusiastic welcome committee behavior.
When visitors arrive, send your Schnauzer to their “place” so they can watch politely instead of causing chaos. They still get to be part of the action (Schnauzers hate being left out) but from a civilized distance that allows actual human conversation to occur. Your guests will be impressed, and your Schnauzer still gets to fulfill their duty as the household’s official greeter.
3. A Safe Space for Anxious Moments
Storms, vacuum cleaners, construction noise, or busy family gatherings can stress some Schnauzers out. Despite their confident demeanor, many Schnauzers have sensitive souls that can be overwhelmed by chaos or loud noises.
Their “place” becomes a familiar, comforting spot where they can relax and feel secure. It’s their personal sanctuary where they know they’re safe and don’t need to be “on duty.” Think of it as creating a zen den in your home where stress goes to die.
4. Impulse Control Made Easy
Schnauzers are quick thinkers, but patience isn’t always their strong suit. They’re the type to see a squirrel and immediately formulate a twelve-step plan to catch it, usually involving maximum barking and enthusiasm.
“Place” teaches them to wait calmly until released, which carries over into other good behaviors like waiting for food, not darting out doors, and thinking before reacting. It builds the mental muscle of self-control in a way that feels natural and rewarding rather than restrictive.
5. Works Anywhere
Once your Schnauzer understands “Place,” you can bring this superpower on the road, to the vet’s office, a hotel room, or even a friend’s house. It’s like having a portable training solution that travels in your back pocket.
Lay down a familiar mat and boom, they know exactly what to do, even in a completely new environment. This makes them better travel companions and helps them adapt to new situations with confidence instead of chaos.
How to Teach The Place Command (Fast)
Teaching “Place” is surprisingly straightforward, especially for a bright breed like Schnauzers who love learning new tricks:
- Pick a Spot: A dog bed, mat, or towel works best. Make sure it’s something portable and comfortable that your Schnauzer will actually want to lie on.
- Lure Them On: Use a high-value treat to guide them onto it. Move slowly and let them follow their nose.
- Mark & Reward: The moment all four paws are on the spot, say “Yes!” and give a treat. Timing is everything here.
- Add the Word: Say “Place” as they step on. Repetition helps them connect the word with the action.
- Build Duration: Start with just a few seconds, then gradually increase the time before releasing them. Think baby steps, not giant leaps.
- Release Command: Teach a word like “Free” or “Okay” so they know when they can leave their spot. This is crucial, they need to know when the job is done.
Keep training sessions upbeat and short, Schnauzers learn quickly, especially with tasty motivation and lots of praise. Their natural intelligence means they’ll probably catch on faster than you expect, but consistency is key to making it stick.
Teach it Once, Enjoy it Forever
The “Place” command isn’t just about obedience, it’s about giving your Schnauzer a way to be part of the household without always being in the thick of the action. It’s about creating structure that actually makes sense to their intelligent, job-oriented minds.
It reduces stress for both of you, improves manners in social situations, and gives them a practical skill they can use for life. It transforms those moments of chaos into opportunities for your Schnauzer to shine as the well-trained companion you always knew they could be.
This one command can revolutionize your relationship with your Schnauzer, turning daily challenges into smooth sailing. It’s like upgrading from dial-up to high-speed internet, once you experience the difference, you’ll never want to go back.
Teach it once, enjoy it forever.
Your Schnauzer will love having a job that makes you proud.
And you’ll love the peace, quiet, and control that comes with having a dog who knows how to be calm on command.
