The Importance of Place Training

An Interview with Dominick Etienne from Mainstay Veterinary Practice Resort in Fairfax, Virginia.

Place training is an invaluable training tool that any pet owner can implement. We got the opportunity to talk with Dominick Etienne about his experience with place training. Dominick is the Training and Apprenticeship Program Manager at Mainstay Veterinary Practice Resort located in Fairfax, Virginia. Mainstay Veterinary Practice Resort provides structured socialization, individual enrichment and training programs catered to their clients’ needs

“Training is all about giving dogs the skills they need to succeed in a human world. Place training is one of the best ways to create structure and predictability, which ultimately leads to a calmer, well-balanced dog. Invest the time, and you’ll see just how valuable it is!” – Dominick Etienne

To start: What exactly is place training? Etienne describes this as “a powerful tool because it provides structure, builds impulse control and helps dogs learn to settle… [in a] designated spot, such as a cot, bed or mat, and stay there until released.”.

In terms of practical application, pet owners can take advantage of place training in any of the following situations:

• Doorway manners: Teaches a dog to stay in “place” instead of rushing the door when guests arrive.
• Meal times: Keeps a dog in place while the family eats their meal to prevent begging for food at the table.
• Relaxation training: Helps anxious or overexcited dogs learn to settle in busy environments.
• Grooming: Makes handling easier by reinforcing calm and tolerant behavior.
• Public spaces: Teaches dogs to remain in place at parks, patios, training sessions etc. can help to improve focus or engagement.
• Photo ops: You may not have thought of this one! Telling your dog to place on a cool-looking tree stump or in a picturesque spot can make for some great photos when on walks or hikes!

Keep reading on for the full interview with Dominick Etienne!

Kuranda: We’ll just start with a quick intro - for example: What is your role at Mainstay Resort, what other jobs did you have before this? What is your experience in the animal care world as a trainer and otherwise, any relevant certifications etc. What drew you to a career in animal care, more specifically in dog training?

Dominick Etienne (DE): I am the Training & Apprenticeship Program Manager at MVP Resort. My role involves developing and overseeing our dog training programs, mentoring apprentices, supervising our daycare program, and ensuring that both our clients and their dogs receive high-quality care tailored to their needs. Before this, I owned my own company, DC Doggo, in which I offered private lesson and board & train programs, as well as dog walking and pet sitting services. I am pursuing certification through the IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals) to further solidify my expertise. My passion for dog training comes from seeing firsthand how effective communication can transform the lives and relationships of dogs and humans.

Kuranda: When it comes to dog training, which techniques do you find to be the most effective and why?

DE: Balanced training is the most effective approach because it allows for clear communication, structure, accountability, and reinforcement of desired behaviors while simultaneously addressing problem behaviors in a fair and humane way. A mix of positive reinforcement and appropriate corrections helps create a well-rounded, resilient, and reliable dog. Every dog learns differently, so it’s crucial that we tailor training to each temperament and motivation.

Kuranda: What are some common mistakes or misconceptions dog owners have when it comes to training? How do you address these with your clients?

DE: One of the biggest misconceptions in training is that using treats is the same as bribing a dog. In reality, rewards are a way to reinforce behaviors and make them worthwhile for the dog—just like a paycheck motivates people to work. While I love what I do, I wouldn’t do it for free! That said, the key is to gradually reduce treat dependence so dogs learn to work reliably without expecting a reward every time. Just like I don’t get paid after every task but know my effort still leads to a paycheck, dogs can learn that good behavior is always valuable, even when a treat isn’t immediately given.

Kuranda: What would you say is the most prevalent issue that clients are looking to address when they come to you with their dogs for training?

DE: Reactivity and impulse control are two of the most common concerns. Many dogs struggle with overstimulation whether it’s barking at other dogs, jumping on guests, or pulling on the leash. Owners often come in looking for solutions to help their dogs remain calm and focused in different situations.

Kuranda: Now more specifically onto place training - can you explain what place training is and some primary benefits? Why is this a training tool that a pet owner may want to take advantage of?

DE: Place training teaches a dog to go to a designated spot, such as a cot, bed, or mat, and stay there until released. It’s a powerful tool because it provides structure, builds impulse control, and helps dogs learn to settle, even in stimulating environments. For pet owners, it’s incredibly useful for managing household behavior, preventing bad behaviors like begging at the table, and helping dogs learn to relax on command.

Kuranda: We’ve heard place training referred to as the “duct tape” of dog training - what exactly does that mean?

DE: I’ve never heard of that before, but it makes sense intuitively! Place training is incredibly versatile and can be used to help manage a wide range of behavioral challenges. It can provide structure, teach impulse control, and help dogs learn to settle in different environments. Whether a dog struggles with jumping, barking, reactivity, or overstimulation, having a designated spot where they can practice calm and still behaviors can help reduce unwanted behaviors. While it’s not a “cure-all” obedience cue, it’s a simple and powerful tool that can be applied in countless situations.

Thank you so much to Dominick Etienne for taking the time to chat with us and to provide some great insights into the importance of place training.