Why We Use Place Boards in Gundog Training

Why We Use Place Boards in Gundog Training

If you’ve watched our training videos or visited us here at Kugae Gundogs, you may have seen us using place boards or training mats with our dogs.

They’re a very simple piece of equipment, but used correctly, a place board can be incredibly useful in gundog training.

We use them with dogs at different stages of their training, from youngsters learning the basics through to more advanced dogs where we want greater steadiness, patience and control.

But what exactly is a place board, and why do we find them so useful?

What Is a Place Board?

A place board gives your dog a clear, defined area where you want them to be.

Traditionally, this might be a raised rectangular platform. Here at Kugae, we also use circular training mats, which provide the same clear visual target while being lightweight and easy to move around.

The principle is very simple: the dog learns that when they are sent to their place, that is where they remain until given another command.

That simple exercise can become the foundation for a surprising amount of training.

Why Do We Use Them?

One of the biggest advantages of a place board is that it makes things very clear for the dog.

When teaching something such as steadiness or positioning, an owner can sometimes unintentionally allow the dog to creep forward or move around.

A defined place removes some of that uncertainty.

Instead of asking the dog to sit somewhere in a large open area, we're giving them a very obvious position.

Over time, we can then transfer that understanding away from the board or mat and into everyday training.

Teaching Steadiness

Steadiness is hugely important in a working gundog.

We don't want a dog believing that every dummy it sees thrown belongs to them. Equally, when we're out shooting, we need dogs that are capable of remaining calm and under control while things are happening around them.

A place board can be a very useful tool for developing this.

The dog can learn to remain in position while:

A dummy is thrown
Another dog retrieves
The handler moves away
Distractions are introduced
The dog waits to be sent

You're gradually teaching the dog that seeing something happen doesn't automatically mean they are allowed to react to it.

That lesson goes far beyond the place board itself.

Helping With Stop and Sit Training

Place boards can also be useful when developing the sit or stop at a distance.

Because the dog has a clear destination, we can begin by sending them towards a known position rather than expecting them immediately to understand that we want them to stop in the middle of an open field.

As their understanding develops, the reliance on the board can gradually be reduced.

The important point is that the board is a training aid, not something the dog should become dependent upon.

Ultimately, we want the dog responding to the handler, not simply looking for a mat.

Directional Training

As your dog's training progresses, multiple place boards can also be used to help introduce directional work.

Boards can be positioned in different areas and the dog taught to move between them on command.

This can help the handler begin to establish concepts such as:

Left, right and back.

Again, the physical target makes the early stages easier for the dog to understand.

Once the dog understands what we're asking, we can gradually move towards doing the same exercises without the boards.

They're Useful for More Than Working Gundogs

You don't need to shoot with your dog to benefit from place training.

In fact, this is one of the reasons we like it so much.

A family pet can learn that their mat is somewhere to settle while you're eating dinner, greeting visitors or simply when you need them to switch off.

For an excitable young Labrador or spaniel, learning that sometimes doing nothing is exactly what is required can be an extremely valuable lesson.

And for owners of working breeds, that ability to switch off can be every bit as important as teaching them to switch on.

Start Simply

As with most gundog training, don't be in too much of a hurry.

Initially, we simply want the dog to understand that being on the board or mat is a positive and clear place to be.

Keep your sessions short and straightforward.

Once the dog understands the basic idea, you can gradually increase what you're asking of them.

Increase distance. Add distractions. Introduce retrieves. Ask them to remain there for longer.

But don't try to introduce everything at once.

Build the exercise gradually and make sure the dog understands each stage before moving on.

Don't Let the Place Board Do the Training for You

This is an important one.

A place board is a tool to help you communicate with your dog. It isn't a shortcut to a trained dog.

If your dog will sit beautifully on a mat but immediately ignores you when the mat disappears, you haven't finished the exercise.

The ultimate aim is to take the understanding you've developed using the place board and transfer it into the real world.

That's particularly important with a working gundog.

Out in the shooting field, there isn't going to be a conveniently positioned place board every time you need your dog to remain steady!

Our Kugae Gundogs Training Mats

We use place training regularly here at Kugae, which is why we have our own Kugae circular training mats available through our online shop.

They're designed to give your dog a clear, defined training position and can be used for everything from early place training and steadiness through to more advanced directional exercises.

They're also useful at home when teaching a dog to settle in a designated area.

As with all training equipment, though, how you use it is far more important than simply owning it.

Need Help With Your Gundog Training?

If you're unsure how to introduce place training, or you're struggling with steadiness, recall, retrieving, heelwork or another aspect of your dog's training, we're always happy to help.

At Kugae Gundogs, we work with everything from young puppies and family pets through to working gundogs preparing for the shooting field.

You can get in touch with us for training advice or book an assessment with Carl so we can see you and your dog together and work out the best way forward.

📞 WhatsApp: 07505 014363 📧 Email: info@kugaegundogs.uk

And if you're looking for training equipment, you can also browse the Kugae Gundogs range of leads, dummies, whistles, training mats and other gundog equipment in our online shop. https://www.kugaegundogs.uk/collections