The mark/place command is a great tool to help manage your dog in a home with kids. A mark/place is
an elevated pet bed, and the rule is that when you give your dog the mark/place command your dog
must go to the mark/place and stay there until released. Keep the mark/place in your home where you
can see it from most areas. Here are 3 ways to use a mark/place to manage your dog in a home with
kids:
1. Many families with young children struggle with their kid dropping food on the floor, the dog
eating the scraps, and it turning into a fun game for both child and dog. While the family is
eating at the dinner table, have your dog go to the mark/place in the house. If your kid drops
food on the floor, your dog must remain on the mark/place, instead of waiting under the table
for scraps to fall. This gives kids less incentive to drop food on the ground since their furry friend
in not available to pick the food up and gives the dog a clear task to remain on their mark/place.
This is especially important for families whose dogs have allergies. In our home one of our dogs
is highly allergic to chicken. The mark/place command is critical in keeping our dog from eating
chick that our child may drop and avoids our dog getting tummy issues and possibly a trip to the
vet. Another benefit of the mark/place at mealtime is it is much easier cleaning up after meals
when your dog is out of the way.
2. While the kids are playing in the house, things can get a little crazy with kids and dogs running
around. Before your kids start playing put your dog on the mark/place in the house. This will
help keep your dog calm while your kids are playing. While your dog is on the mark/place it will
help prevent them from accidentally knocking kids over or stealing the ball/toy the kids are
playing with. If your young kid is trying to chase your dog or pull their tail, send your dog to the
mark/place to remove the dog from the situation. This helps keep everyone safe during play
time for your kids and your dog.
3. A ringing doorbell or knock on the door can cause some dogs to bark and jump with excitement.
Before your guests enter your home, send your dog go to their mark/place where your dog feels
comfortable. This will help your dog stay calm when guests arrive. If your dog has a big reaction
to guests arriving (barking, jumping, etc.) your dog is not aware of their surroundings and your
dog could accidentally knock your small child over. Putting your dog on the mark/place while
guests are at your door will help keep your kids safe and allow your guests enter your home
without any issues.
The mark/place is a great tool to help families with kids manage their dog in the home. Having your dog
feel more comfortable and confident on their mark/place during heightened activity in the house is
preferred over your dog feeling scared and stressed from not knowing what to do or have a safe place to
go. My family uses the mark/place everyday in our home and our dogs feel calm, confident, and
comfortable when they’re on their mark/place. Our kid loves our dogs and he knows to give our dogs
space while they are on their mark/place. Most importantly the mark/place helps keeps both kids and
dogs safe.
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