🐾 Vet's Guide to Mat Training for Dogs: Teaching to Station on the Mat in 2025 🐾

Author: Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc

Mat training, also known as stationing, is a foundational skill that teaches your dog to go to a designated mat and remain there calmly. This behavior is beneficial in various situations, such as during mealtimes, when guests visit, or at the veterinarian's office. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to effectively train your dog to station on a mat.

🎯 Step 1: Reward for Interacting With the Mat

Begin by encouraging any interaction your dog has with the mat:

• 👀 Looking at the mat
• 🐾 Approaching the mat
• 🦶 Touching the mat with a paw

Use a clicker or a verbal marker like "yes" to mark the behavior, followed by a treat placed on the mat. This helps your dog associate the mat with positive experiences.

🔄 Step 2: Shaping the Behavior

If your dog doesn't step onto the mat willingly, position yourself on the opposite side of the mat and encourage them to come to you. Gradually shape the behavior by rewarding:

• 🐾 One paw on the mat
• 🐾🐾 Two paws on the mat
• 🐾🐾🐾🐾 All four paws on the mat

Increase the value of the treats as your dog progresses, using high-value treats like chicken or cheese for more significant milestones.

🛏️ Step 3: Lie on the Mat

Encourage your dog to lie down on the mat by rewarding any behavior that leads toward this goal. Use high-value treats for lying down and lower-value treats for other behaviors. If necessary, use a verbal cue like "down" to prompt the behavior, gradually phasing out the cue as your dog learns to lie down independently.

⏱️ Step 4: Adding Duration

Once your dog is consistently lying on the mat, begin to increase the duration they stay there by gradually extending the time between treats. Start with a few seconds and build up to longer periods, ensuring your dog remains comfortable and relaxed.

🗣️ Step 5: Introducing a Cue

Introduce a verbal cue like "place" or "mat" to signal your dog to go to the mat. Use the cue just before your dog moves to the mat, then mark and reward the behavior. Practice this at varying distances to reinforce the association.

🎉 Step 6: Down on a Mat with Distractions

Gradually introduce distractions to ensure your dog can maintain the behavior in different environments:

• 🚪 Moving the mat to different rooms
• 🚗 Taking the mat to the car or vet's office
• 🏃 Walking around the mat while your dog is on it
• 📣 Introducing sounds like doorbells or clapping

Reward your dog for maintaining the down position amidst these distractions.

🔓 Step 7: Teaching a Release Word

Teach a release word like "free" or "all done" to signal that your dog can leave the mat. Use the release word consistently at the end of each session, followed by a reward or playtime.

🧘 Step 8: Relaxing on the Mat

Encourage deeper relaxation on the mat by rewarding behaviors such as:

• 🛌 Lying on their side
• 😴 Resting their head on the floor
• 💤 Slowing their breathing

Use soft verbal cues like "relax" and provide low-value treats to reinforce these calming behaviors. Over time, the mat will become a cue for your dog to relax and unwind.

📲 Need Additional Support?

For personalized guidance and support, consider using the Ask A Vet app. Our team of veterinary professionals is here to assist you with training tips, behavioral advice, and more.

Download the Ask A Vet app today and take the first step towards effective mat training for your dog!