Using Placeboards for Steadiness

Placeboards are an excellent tool for developing steadiness and helping your dog learn self-control around exciting situations.

Begin by sitting your dog on a placeboard while you walk out and place the dummy or ball down. Your dog’s job is to remain on the board and wait until you give them permission to go.

This exercise is particularly useful for dogs that become over-excited around certain items, such as tennis balls. Throwing a dummy or ball creates a high level of excitement, so by removing the movement and simply placing the item down, you can teach your dog that they still need to listen and remain steady even when something exciting is present.

Once the dummy or ball is placed, calmly return to your dog, send them for the retrieve and then guide them back onto the placeboard with the item.

The key to this exercise is staying calm throughout. Avoid increasing your dog’s excitement levels by using high-energy praise. Praise can still be given, but remember that calm praise is just as valuable and helps reinforce the behaviour you want.

Repeat this exercise regularly until your dog is remaining steady and focused. If your dog breaks their steadiness, simply reset and make the exercise easier rather than allowing them to practise rushing in.

Remember to keep sessions short. Placeboard training is mentally demanding, so a few quality repetitions are far more beneficial than a long session. You can always repeat the exercise later in the day or on another day.

The goal is to create a dog that can remain calm, think clearly and wait for your instruction, even when excitement is present.