The One Summer Habit Your Dog Needs
When summer hits, life gets a little louder, messier, and more exciting—for us and our dogs. Between backyard BBQs, kids home from school, visiting guests, and fireworks shows, it’s no surprise that some dogs struggle to keep their cool. But here’s the good news: with one simple habit, you can help your dog relax and stay calm, even when summer feels a little chaotic.
That habit? Teaching your dog a "go to place" behavior with the KLIMB® platform.
What is “Go to Place” Training?
“Go to place” is a training cue that tells your dog to go to a designated spot (like the KLIMB), lie down, and stay there until released. It creates a physical and mental boundary—giving your dog a clear job to do and helping them feel safe and in control, even when their surroundings aren’t.
In fact, studies show that structured training like this can reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. A 2009 study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that dogs who were given predictable training routines showed lower stress hormone levels and fewer anxiety-related behaviors.
It’s kind of like your dog’s version of a zen zone.
Why the KLIMB Makes It Easier
The KLIMB platform isn’t just elevated—it’s empowering. Dogs naturally respond to the change in elevation, and the defined edges help them understand where their “place” begins and ends. This visual and physical boundary helps dogs learn faster by giving them clear feedback, something well-supported by operant conditioning science.
That’s why many trainers and behaviorists use raised platforms to reinforce focus, build confidence, and create calm, stationary behaviors in high-distraction environments.
Want to make it even more inviting? Add the Restore Dog Bed on top of the KLIMB for a cozy, memory foam layer your pup will love. It encourages longer stays, especially during extended periods like backyard parties or fireworks displays, and turns your dog’s “place” into a true relaxation zone.
Plus, the KLIMB is portable and weather-resistant, so you can use it in the living room or out by the grill.
Summer Scenarios Where the KLIMB Shines
✅ Guests arriving at the door: Instead of jumping or barking, your dog can chill on their KLIMB and earn rewards for being calm.
👉 Try our Free Doorbell Challenge on YouTube to practice this exact scenario!
✅ Grilling and outdoor gatherings: No more weaving between legs or stealing snacks, your pup can hang out nearby without being underfoot.
✅ Busy playdates or family chaos: When the house feels like a zoo, the KLIMB offers a calm retreat.
These aren’t just party tricks, they’re examples of distraction training, which helps dogs generalize calm behavior across different settings. It’s a proven method that strengthens reliability and impulse control in real life, not just the living room.
Quick Training Tips to Get Started
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Introduce the KLIMB
Let your dog explore the KLIMB with treats and praise. Keep it positive and low-pressure.
Quick Tip: For shorter or nervous dogs, start with the KLIMB flat on the ground (no legs attached). Once your dog is comfortable, you can gradually add the legs to build up to the full height.
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Add the Cue
Lure your dog onto the platform and say “place”, “go to bed” of "go KLIMB." Reward when all four paws are on. -
Build Duration
Start by asking for a short stay (3–5 seconds), then slowly increase the time. Always reward calm behavior. -
Add Distractions
Practice with background noise, movement, or kids playing nearby. Keep sessions short and fun. -
Use It Daily
Make the KLIMB part of your everyday routine—like during dinner, phone calls, or when guests visit.
🎓 Looking for extra guidance? Our online KLIMB training course walks you through every step of place training—from basic to advanced distraction proofing.
Mental Enrichment That Works
Training “go to place” with the KLIMB doesn’t just create calmer behavior—it also provides mental enrichment. Research shows that giving dogs mentally engaging tasks reduces boredom and stress-related behaviors like chewing, barking, and pacing. In other words, dogs with “jobs” are happier, more relaxed companions.
(Wells, D. L. (2004). A review of environmental enrichment for kenneled dogs.)
Make It a Summer Habit
Consistency is the secret sauce. If you practice just a few minutes a day, your dog will start to associate the KLIMB with calm, confident behavior, no matter how wild the world gets around them.
And the best part? You get a moment to breathe too.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Whether you're prepping for a backyard party or just trying to survive a Wednesday afternoon with the kids home, the KLIMB can be your secret weapon for a calmer, happier summer.
👉 Shop the KLIMB
🛏️ Add the Restore Dog Bed for extra comfort and longer stays
📺 Watch the Free Doorbell Challenge
🎓 Explore the Full Online Training Course
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