Spot Training: Your Dog’s Place for Holiday Peace

The holidays can be joyful, but for dogs and their owners, they can also be chaotic. Between guests arriving, food on the counters, and new decorations everywhere, it’s easy for even the best-behaved pups to get overwhelmed. That’s where holiday spot training for dogs comes in. 

This simple behavior teaches your dog to target a designated mat or bed. Even better, it’s a skill you’ll use all year long to bring peace, focus, and harmony to everyday life.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing simple behaviors to practice before the guests arrive! Keep in mind, though, that if your dog feels uncomfortable around visitors, these exercises won’t change that underlying emotion. In that case, I would advise creating a safe space (you can use the advice in our Halloween article) but also consider connecting with a professional trainer near you for individualized coaching. The right trainer can improve your quality of life and your dog.

And because I am a neurodivergent trainer, I am going to break this down into small, bite-sized (no put intended!) steps that worked for me. Feel free to break it down even more if you need to. Personally, once I start training, I don’t want to stop. This is not ideal for our dogs. Since I know that’s one of my biggest challenges as a trainer, I set a timer on my phone for five minutes. If your dog is new to training, you might even start with 2-3 minute training sessions. 

How is Holiday Spot Training for Dogs Helpful?

Our dogs have a way of getting underfoot, especially during the holidays, when routines shift and visitors come and go. They’re curious, social, and want to be part of the fun! But when that enthusiasm turns into jumping on guests, getting in our way, or dashing out the door, we tend to panic and tell them to stop.

The problem? “Stop” doesn’t tell them what to do instead.

So, what if we gave them a clear, positive direction before things get chaotic? That’s where teaching a solid “spot” behavior comes in. It gives your dog a specific direction they can understand (when fully trained).

If you follow these step-by-step instructions, these exercises can even help decrease doorbell mayhem.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Work on steps a few minutes at a time. Keeping training fun and motivating will keep both you and your dog engaged.

Picking A Spot

At first, I recommend training your dog to go to one specific spot. This can be a bed, a towel, or a raised platform. Whatever works best for both of you.

In class, we often use raised beds like this one, but keep in mind that some dogs may be hesitant about them at first. While it’s possible to help them feel more comfortable through counterconditioning, I suggest choosing a spot your dog will use right away—especially with the holidays fast approaching. A regular bed or crate mat works just as well. If you have wood or tile floors, look for one with a non-slip bottom like this one, so your dog doesn’t slide when they run to their spot!

Introducing the Spot

Your first goal is to help your dog associate the spot with good things. I like to begin even before placing it on the ground. As soon as I set the bed down, I mark (with a “yes!” or a click) and treat any interaction—whether it’s a glance, a sniff, or a paw touching the mat.

I repeat short sessions like this until my dog starts showing more interest in the mat. Then, I gradually fine-tune what earns a reward: first for any feet on the mat, then for two, and finally only when all four paws are on it.

Adding the Cue

Once your dog is happily interacting with the mat, it’s time to add a verbal cue. You can choose any phrase you like. Some popular options include:

• “Go to your place”
• “Bed”
• “To your spot”

The most important thing is consistency. Pick a cue that’s easy for you to remember, and make sure everyone in your household uses the same words. If this tends to cause confusion, consider creating a cue list and posting it on the refrigerator for reference.

Start saying your chosen cue whenever your dog is heading to the mat. Mark and reward when all four paws are on the spot. If your dog needs a little extra guidance, you can point to the mat right after giving the cue. Over time, your dog will begin to associate the words with going to their spot.

Adding the Down

I always suggest adding a down once your dog is reliably going to their spot. As we build this behavior, we want to start reinforcing relaxation. In my experience, the down position makes the most sense for that. That said, think about what works best for you and your dog. If a sit makes more sense in your home, simply substitute “sit” for “down” in these instructions. Build the behavior to suit your needs.

Here’s how a session might look:

1. Cue your dog to go to the mat, and ask for a down. Lure them the first few times if needed; your dog may not be used to doing this behavior in this context. Mark and reward them once they are in the down.
2. You can use a release word or say “off”—and toss a reset treat to reset the behavior.
3. Repeat a few times, then cue your dog to the bed and wait a few seconds. Notice if they start going into the down on their own. If not, they just need a bit more coaching.
4. If they do, you now have a behavior chain: you cue the spot, they go to their mat and lay down automatically!

Building Duration

Our goal is for your dog to stay on their spot for longer periods, even with distractions, so we’ll build both elements gradually, one at a time.

1. As you cue your dog to go to their mat, start by pausing for just a second or two before releasing them. 
2. Slowly increase the duration over multiple sessions.

Bonus tip: Keep an eye out for signs of relaxation, such as a big sigh, shifting their weight to one side, or lowering their head. When you notice these cues, quietly praise your dog and place a small treat between their paws. Reinforcing these moments helps your dog learn that calm, relaxed behavior is highly rewarding.

Adding Distance

You also want your dog to respond to the cue no matter how far away they are from their spot, or where you are. So slowly start to change how you look when you cue your dog.

1. Take note of where you and your dog are when you use this cue.
2. Shift your body in any direction by just one step. Cue your dog. Are they successful? Then continue this training session with minor shifts in your position relative to the mat. If your dog gets confused, you will just break it down even more. Try standing where you usually do, but turning your body in the opposite direction.
3. As your dog is successful, slowly start adding variety to where you and your dog are when you cue them. If at any point your dog seems confused, then they are telling you that is too much for them at this moment. Make it a little easier to really build that foundation of reinforcement.

Adding Distance

You’ll also want your dog to respond to the cue no matter where they are on the mat—or where you are in the room. Start by making small changes in your position when giving the cue.

Take note of your starting positions, then shift your body just one step in any direction and give the cue. Does your dog respond successfully? If so, continue the session with small, gradual changes in your position relative to the mat.

If your dog becomes confused at any point, break the exercise down further. For example, you might stand in your usual spot but turn your body in the opposite direction.

As your dog succeeds, slowly introduce more variety in both where you and your dog are when you cue them. Remember: if your dog shows signs of confusion, it’s a signal that the step is too challenging right now. Simplify, reinforce, and build a strong foundation before adding more complexity.

Training Your Dog to Go to Their Spot When They Hear the Doorbell

Once your dog is reliably going to their spot, you can start using the doorbell (or a knock) as a cue for them to head to their mat.

I know what you’re thinking: “My dog goes insane when the doorbell rings—that will never work!” But stick with me—we’ll approach it carefully.

We’ll start by adjusting the trigger intensity. Record your doorbell on your phone so you can play it at very low volumes. Only use your own doorbell, as dogs are excellent discriminators—they can learn to bark at one bell while going to their spot for another.

With the recording at its softest, play it and give your cue for your dog to go to their mat. Reward success, then gradually increase the volume as your dog remains calm and responds reliably. Once your dog is performing well at the loudest phone volume, you can try the actual doorbell.

Going slowly through these steps is far more effective than rushing. Most dogs already associate the doorbell with excitement and visitors, so we’re essentially changing an existing, ingrained pattern. With patience and consistency, your dog will learn that the doorbell now means go to your spot, not go wild!

Tips to Increase Training Success

Here are a few extra strategies to make spot training even more effective:

Magnetize the Mat
Help your dog see their spot as a fun, rewarding place. When your dog is outside the room, scatter a few treats around the mat so they start checking it out on their own. The goal is for the mat to become a spot they want to visit regularly.

Use High-Value Treats
When people tell me their dog is “stubborn,” I usually say they’re just unmotivated. We’ve all been there! To change an ingrained habit, you need treats your dog really loves. They can be small, but they shouldn’t be boring.

Catch Them in the Act
Whenever you notice your dog lying on their mat, calmly praise and drop a few treats between their paws. For this exercise, I often use kibble—it gives feedback without overexciting your dog or prompting them to get up and follow you.

In Conclusion: Putting Spot Training Together for the Holidays

Let’s break down our plan to help build success:

• Start Early: Begin short sessions weeks before guests arrive.
  
• Cue Consistently: Everyone in your household uses the same words.
  
• Build Duration & Distractions Slowly: Gradually increase time and introduce mild holiday distractions.
  
• Practice Real-Life Scenarios: Cue the spot before guests arrive, during meal prep, or when gifts are opened.
  
• Celebrate Small Wins: Patience and consistency are key; the goal is calm participation, not perfection.

With consistent practice, your dog will learn that their mat is a safe, relaxing spot—even during the busiest holiday moments. You’ll enjoy calmer gatherings, safer spaces, and a dog who knows exactly what to do when the holiday hustle begins.

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