The Archie Bear Place Board is a professional dog training aid handmade in the UK from glass reinforced plastic. Weather-proof, warp-proof, and rot-proof — can be left outside permanently. Artificial grass surface for grip, anti-slip base for stability on any surface. Available in Standard (600x400mm, 3kg) and Large (650x650mm, 5kg). Bailey the Labrador's approval rating: 10/10.
Why We Recommend It
Place board training is one of the most effective foundations you can give any dog — it teaches stillness, patience, and the concept of a defined space, which underpins everything from basic obedience to advanced gundog work. The Archie Bear is the board we recommend because the GRP construction solves the single biggest problem with timber place boards: they deteriorate. A timber board left outside through a British winter will warp, rot, and become unsafe. The Archie Bear won't. It's the same board in year five as it was on day one. The artificial grass surface is also a considered detail — it gives dogs a consistent, comfortable surface to stand on that feels natural underfoot, which matters when you're asking a dog to hold position for extended periods.
Key Benefits
- Glass reinforced plastic — weather-proof, warp-proof, rot-proof in all conditions
- Can be left outside permanently — no maintenance, no deterioration
- Artificial grass surface — comfortable, natural-feeling grip for your dog
- Anti-slip base — stable on grass, gravel, concrete, and indoor surfaces
- Standard and Large sizes — suitable for all breeds from Spaniels to large Retrievers
- Handmade in the UK — quality construction, built to last
- Bailey approved — 10/10
My friends, I gave this 10 out of 10 and I stand by that rating. The surface feels good under my paws — not slippery, not uncomfortable, just right. Craig uses it for my place training and I have to say, standing still on a defined surface is actually quite satisfying once you get the hang of it. It's been outside through two winters and it looks exactly the same as when it arrived. I have inspected it thoroughly. It is an excellent product and I am an excellent judge. 10/10. 🐾
Perfect For
- Teaching place and station training — the foundation of obedience and gundog work
- Puppies learning to stand or sit still in one defined space
- Gundog foundation training — steadiness, patience, and position work
- General obedience training for all breeds
- Outdoor use year-round — the GRP construction handles all British weather
- Handlers who want a permanent outdoor training station that requires no maintenance
Specifications
- Material: Glass reinforced plastic (GRP)
- Surface: Artificial grass — grip, comfort, natural feel
- Base: Anti-slip trim — stable on all surfaces
- Standard: 600mm L x 400mm W x 75mm H | 3kg
- Large: 650mm L x 650mm W x 75mm H | 5kg
- Weather-proof: Yes — suitable for permanent outdoor use
- Made: Handmade in the UK
How To Use
- Place the board on a flat surface — the anti-slip base will keep it stable on grass, gravel, or concrete.
- Introduce your dog to the board calmly — allow them to sniff and investigate before asking them to step on it.
- Lure or guide your dog onto the board and reward immediately for all four paws on the surface.
- Build duration gradually — reward for remaining on the board, then release with a clear command.
- Progress to asking for a sit or stand on the board, then to holding position at distance.
- For gundog work, use the board to teach steadiness and the concept of a fixed position before introducing distractions.
Care Guide
- No maintenance required — the GRP construction is fully weather-proof.
- Rinse with water if muddy or soiled.
- Can be left outside permanently in all weather conditions.
- Inspect the artificial grass surface periodically — it is designed for long-term use but replace if significantly worn.
Professional Insight
The GRP construction of the Archie Bear is the detail that separates it from the majority of place boards on the market. Timber boards are a compromise — they're cheap to produce but they deteriorate rapidly in outdoor conditions, which means they become uneven, potentially unsafe, and need replacing. A GRP board is a one-time purchase. The artificial grass surface is also a more considered choice than bare plastic or rubber: it gives dogs a surface that feels natural underfoot, which reduces the hesitation some dogs show when first introduced to a hard, unfamiliar surface. For professional trainers and serious handlers who want a permanent outdoor training station, the Archie Bear is the only sensible choice.
Training Academy Tip 💡
Place board training is one of the highest-value foundation exercises you can do with any dog, and it's often underused by handlers who focus on retrieve and whistle work. A dog that will go to its board and hold position on command has learned three things that transfer directly to gundog work: to move to a specific location on cue, to hold a position under distraction, and to wait for a release command. Start with the board close to you and build distance gradually. Once your dog is reliable at 10 metres, you have the foundation for blind retrieve work, peg steadiness, and distance control.
ProTrain Principle
Teach your dog where to be. A dog that knows its place — literally — is a dog that can be trusted anywhere.
Complete Your Setup
ACME Alpha Dog Whistle | ACME 470 Clicker | ProTrain Moist Sausage Treats
The Archie Bear Place Board is a professional dog training aid handmade in the UK from glass reinforced plastic. Weather-proof, warp-proof, rot-proof — suitable for permanent outdoor use. Artificial grass surface, anti-slip base. Available in Standard (600x400mm, 3kg) and Large (650x650mm, 5kg). Suitable for all breeds, all ages. Bailey the Labrador's approval rating: 10/10. By Archie Bear, The Gundog Catalogue.
FAQs
Can I leave this outside permanently?
Yes — the glass reinforced plastic construction is fully weather-proof and designed to be left outside in all conditions. Unlike timber place boards, it will not warp, rot, or degrade over time. It requires no maintenance and will perform the same in year five as it did on day one.
Which size should I choose?
The Standard (600x400mm) is suitable for most Spaniels, smaller Retrievers, and medium breeds. The Large (650x650mm) is better for larger Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and bigger breeds where you want more surface area for the dog to stand comfortably. If in doubt, go Large — a dog can always stand on a bigger board, but a board that's too small is uncomfortable.
Will it slip on grass or hard surfaces?
The anti-slip trim on the base is designed to keep the board stable on grass, gravel, concrete, and indoor surfaces. It will not slide when a dog steps on or off it.
What age can I start place board training?
Place board training can be introduced from puppyhood — as young as 8 weeks in a gentle, low-pressure way. Simply encouraging a puppy to step onto the board and rewarding them for doing so is the starting point. Duration and complexity build from there as the puppy develops.
Is this suitable for all breeds?
Yes — the Archie Bear Place Board is suitable for all breeds. Choose Standard for smaller and medium breeds, Large for bigger dogs. The artificial grass surface is comfortable for all paw types and the anti-slip base works on all surfaces.
Customer Stories
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