Boundary Game Part 4
Week 4
Introduction
In Part 4 of the Boundary Game, we begin building duration and relaxation on the boundary mat. Your puppy has already learned how to go to their mat, and now we begin teaching them to stay there calmly until released.
This step helps your puppy develop an important life skill: learning how to settle and relax when the household is busy or when nothing exciting is happening.
Quick Notes
These tips will help your puppy begin learning that their boundary mat is a place to relax and stay until released.
When your puppy gets onto the boundary mat, reward whatever behavior they offer (sit or down).
Begin feeding low and near your puppy’s feet, which encourages them to lie down naturally.
The goal behavior is: go to the boundary → lie down → remain there calmly.
Start adding your release word to give your puppy permission to leave the boundary.
After releasing them, allow your puppy the opportunity to choose to return to the mat on their own.
Continue reinforcing when your puppy chooses to stay on the mat voluntarily.
Class Experience
Practice at home!
Practice this exercise by rewarding your puppy when they step onto their boundary mat and encouraging them to settle and relax there.
If your puppy lies down, reward them calmly and continue reinforcing that relaxed behavior. After a short period, use your release word and allow them to leave the mat. Then watch to see if they choose to return on their own.
Short practice sessions help your puppy learn that the boundary mat is a comfortable and rewarding place to relax.
Place your puppy next to your side where they would normally walk and reward them for staying there. Then introduce a small distraction and give the cue “No Pull.” When your puppy looks back to you and releases tension on the leash, reward them at your side.
As your puppy improves, practice in different rooms of your house.
Dogs do not automatically understand that a behavior applies everywhere, so practicing in multiple locations helps them learn the rule in new environments.
Upload a video
Be sure to send us a video demonstrating this behavior as well so we can give you personalized training advice with our virtual video service.
Additional Discussion
Additional tips and content
These additional tips will help your puppy learn that the boundary mat is a calm place to settle.
Periodically reward your puppy when they choose to stay on the mat without being asked.
You can place a chew toy, pupsicle, or long-lasting treat on the mat to encourage relaxation.
Think of the boundary mat as your puppy’s safe space or relaxation zone.
This skill is especially helpful during busy household moments, such as cooking in the kitchen.
The boundary behavior can also help during family downtime, such as watching TV or relaxing in the evening.
The long-term goal is for your puppy to develop a reliable “off switch”, where they can settle calmly when the household settles.