German Shepherds are brilliant, driven, and eager to please, but their intelligence and energy demand clear communication. Without a specific job to do, they can become anxious or develop unwanted behaviors. This is where a simple yet powerful tool comes in: the Cato board. Favored by professional trainers, this elevated platform provides the structure and clarity your GSD needs to thrive, turning complex training concepts into simple, achievable goals.
Whether you're struggling with impulse control at the front door or want to build a rock-solid 'place' command, the Cato board is a game-changer. In this guide, we'll break down exactly what it is, why it works so well for German Shepherds, and how you can use it to build a calmer, more confident, and well-behaved companion.
What Is a Cato Board?
A Cato board is a durable, low-profile, and portable platform designed specifically for dog training. Its slightly elevated surface creates a distinct physical boundary, giving your dog a clear, tangible spot to target. This simple design helps your German Shepherd understand exactly when they are in the correct “place,” eliminating confusion and accelerating learning.
The Purpose of a Training Platform
The primary purpose of the Cato board is to create a well-defined space that serves as a mental anchor for your dog. Instead of a vague command like “go to your spot,” the board gives your dog an obvious, physical target. This clarity is the foundation for building reliable obedience and focus.
Why Trainers Love This Tool
Professional trainers rely on the Cato board because it delivers consistent results, especially with intelligent breeds like the German Shepherd. Here’s why it’s so effective:
- Clarity and Focus: The distinct feel of the elevated platform helps a GSD lock in and understand the task. It provides a clear criterion for success: all four paws are either on or off.
- Durability and Stability: Made from heavy-duty materials, the board features a “no-tip” design that won’t flip over, creating a safe and stable experience for an energetic or heavy dog.
- Non-Slip Surface: High-traction rubber or turf surfaces prevent slipping, giving your dog confidence even on smooth indoor floors.
- Positive Reinforcement: The board becomes a positive location. By consistently rewarding your dog for getting on and staying there, you replace unwanted behaviors (like jumping on guests) with a desirable one.
- Versatility: It's not just for the “place” command. A Cato board is a multi-purpose tool used for basic obedience, advanced agility work, fitness conditioning, and more.
- Portability: These platforms are lightweight and stackable, allowing you to maintain consistent training indoors, outdoors, or on the go.
Expert Tip: The Cato board is excellent for teaching a dog to settle. It provides a clear boundary that helps them learn to switch off their working brain and relax, even when there are distractions.
Common Training Uses
- “Place” Training: Teaching a dog to go to a designated spot and stay there until released.
- Impulse Control: Helping a dog remain calm during exciting events, like when guests arrive or during meal prep.
- Obedience and Focus: Practicing commands like “sit,” “stand,” and “down” with improved attention.
- Agility and Contact Training: Using multiple boards for directional cues and contact point work.
- Fitness and Conditioning: Performing exercises that improve a dog’s balance, coordination, and body awareness.
Benefits for German Shepherds
For a breed as sharp and sensitive as the German Shepherd, Cato board training does more than just teach a command—it shapes behavior. By using positive reinforcement to establish the board as a safe and rewarding spot, you build a foundation for addressing behavioral goals, improving impulse control, and fostering a calmer household.
How to Train GSD Puppy 10 weeks old!
Achieving Behavioral Goals
The Cato board offers a clear, positive alternative to unwanted behaviors. Instead of scolding your dog for jumping or barking, you can redirect them to their “place.” This proactive approach builds proprioception (body awareness) as your dog learns to step onto the raised surface and hold positions. It’s also a powerful tool for mental engagement, redirecting focus from external chaos to an internal task.
Mastering Impulse Control
German Shepherds can be reactive, but the Cato board teaches them to pause and think. You can gradually increase the duration of their stay before rewarding them, which teaches delayed gratification. This skill, learned in a controlled setting, translates to real-world scenarios, like walking calmly past other dogs or waiting patiently by the door. It’s the perfect solution for managing excited greetings and other high-arousal situations.
Building Rock-Solid Confidence
For a nervous or anxious GSD, the board can become a predictable “safe haven.” In overwhelming situations, sending them to their place gives them a familiar task to focus on, helping them feel secure. The clear criteria for success—“four paws on the board”—eliminates confusion and builds confidence through mastery. As they become more aware of their body and succeed at the task, their self-assurance grows.
Promoting Calmer Household Manners
A well-trained “place” command creates structure and predictability in the home, which reduces stress for everyone. The board gives your dog a designated spot to relax during family meals, preventing begging. It also serves as an excellent alternative to a crate when you need your dog to settle, allowing them to be part of family activities while remaining calm and under control.
Sizes and Surface Options
Cato boards are designed with durability and functionality in mind. They are molded from heavy-duty, impact-resistant HDPE plastic and come in different sizes and surfaces to suit your training needs.
Available Sizes and Weight
- Cato Board (Standard): Measuring 16" x 24" x 3.5", this is the perfect size for most dogs, including German Shepherds, for general “place” training.
- Cato Plank: At 12" x 36", this longer, narrower platform is ideal for advanced obedience, teaching clean fronts, or practicing precise down-stays where more body length is needed.
Weight varies slightly by surface, with the turf version weighing around 6.5 lbs and the rubber version about 7.25 lbs, making both highly portable.
Surface Options: Rubber vs. Turf
Choosing the right surface depends on where you plan to do most of your training.
Rubber Surface
- Grip: Excellent. The bidirectional texture offers superior traction, especially on smooth indoor floors like hardwood or tile.
- Durability: Extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear.
- Maintenance: Very easy to sanitize and wipe clean.
- Best For: Primarily indoor use. The dark rubber can get hot in direct sunlight, making it less ideal for prolonged outdoor sessions on warm days.
Turf Surface
- Grip: Good. It provides reliable traction, though slightly less than the rubber model.
- Durability: Strong and built to last, though rubber is slightly more robust.
- Maintenance: Can collect hair and dirt more easily, requiring occasional cleaning.
- Best For: Indoor and outdoor use. The lighter-colored backing helps it stay cooler in the sun, and the texture mimics grass.
Construction and Features
Cato boards are engineered for serious training. Key features include:
- Heavy-Duty Material: Made from impact-resistant HDPE plastic that won’t crack or chip.
- No-Tip Design: A stable base prevents the board from flipping, even with an active dog.
- Water Drainage: Integrated channels allow water to drain, preventing pooling when used outdoors.
- Stackable: The design allows for easy stacking, transport, and storage.
How to Choose the Right Board
Selecting the right Cato board for your German Shepherd is straightforward. Your decision will come down to your dog's size, your training goals, and where you'll be practicing.
Choosing the Right Size
For most German Shepherds, the standard 16" x 24" Cato Board is sufficient for teaching sit, stand, and a tucked down. However, a large GSD may not be able to stretch out fully.
If you plan to work on advanced, long-duration down-stays or have a larger-than-average German Shepherd, the 12" x 36" Cato Plank XL is the recommended choice. The extra length gives your dog ample room to lie down comfortably.
Choosing the Right Surface
- Rubber: The best choice for indoor training. It's easy to clean and provides unbeatable grip on slick floors.
- Turf: The ideal option for outdoor use. It stays cooler in the sun and provides a familiar, grass-like texture for your dog.
Considerations for Puppies vs. Adults
- Puppies: The low-profile, sturdy design is safe and comfortable for puppies. A turf surface can be a great tool for house training, as it mimics the feel of grass.
- Adults: For adult GSDs, either surface works well. To increase the challenge for advanced training, consider adding an accessory like the Cato Tilt Stand, which turns the plank into a conditioning tool.
Budget and Accessories
A standard Cato Board typically costs around $79, while the Cato Plank XL is closer to $95. You can also enhance your training with a few key accessories:
- Cato Tilt Stand: An optional add-on for the Plank that converts it into an incline board or a low-profile teeter-totter for balance and conditioning work.
- Multiple Boards: Many trainers use two or three boards for directional drills and more complex handling exercises.
- Replacement Rubber Feet: Available to ensure your board remains stable on hard surfaces over years of use.
Training Steps and Drills
Training with a Cato board is all about building positive associations and gradually increasing the difficulty. The goal is to make going to the board your dog’s choice. Here’s how to get started.
Foundation: Introducing the Board
- Investigate: Place the board on the floor and let your dog explore it at their own pace. Don't force them onto it.
- Reward Interaction: The moment your dog sniffs, paws at, or steps on the board, mark the behavior with a “Yes!” or a clicker and give them a high-value treat.
- Lure Onto the Board: Use a treat to guide your dog until all four paws are on the board, then reward them.
- Add the Cue: Once your dog is confidently stepping onto the board, start saying your verbal cue (e.g., “Place”) right as they get on. Reward immediately.
- Fade the Lure: Practice giving the cue without a treat in your hand. Reward them from your other hand or pocket after they get on the board.
Mastering the Three D's
Once your dog understands the basic command, you’ll proof the behavior by adding the “Three D’s” of dog training: Duration, Distance, and Distractions. Always work on one “D” at a time before combining them.
Drill 1: Duration (Time)
Start small. Reward your dog for staying on the board for just one second. Gradually increase the time: one second, then three, then five, and so on. At first, reward frequently. As your dog learns to hold their position longer, you can stretch out the time between rewards.
Drill 2: Distance (Space)
Begin by taking a single step back after your dog is on the board. If they stay, immediately step forward and reward them on the board. Never call them to you for the reward. Slowly increase the distance—one step, then two, then a few feet, then across the room. Eventually, practice briefly stepping out of sight before returning to reward.
Drill 3: Distractions (Stimuli)
Start with low-level distractions. Drop a toy near the board or have another person walk calmly through the room. As your dog succeeds, gradually increase the intensity. You might try bouncing a ball, training during meal prep, or having a guest arrive. If your dog breaks, you’ve moved too fast—simply make the next repetition easier.
Proofing and Generalization
To make the “place” command reliable anywhere, you need to practice in different environments. Move the Cato board to every room in your house, then to the backyard, a quiet park, or a friend’s home. This teaches your dog that “place” means the board, no matter where it is.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Problem: My dog won’t get on the board.
- Fix: The board might seem intimidating. Go back to basics. Use high-value treats and reward any interaction, even just a sniff. Make it a fun and rewarding game.
- Problem: My dog keeps getting off the board.
- Fix: You’re likely progressing too quickly. Shorten the duration or distance. End every session on a positive, successful repetition. If they step off, calmly lead them back without scolding.
- Problem: My dog gets anxious or stressed.
- Fix: Keep sessions short, fun, and positive. If you notice signs of stress, end the session with an easy win. For a sensitive GSD, calm praise is often more effective than overly exciting encouragement.
Where to Buy Your Cato Board
You can purchase Cato boards directly from the manufacturer or through several authorized online retailers specializing in dog training gear.
Official and Specialty Retailers
- Official Store: The Cato Outdoors website is the primary source.
- Amazon: Cato Outdoors LLC has an official storefront on Amazon, with some products eligible for Prime shipping.
- Specialty Retailers: Reputable stores like Gun Dog Supply, Clean Run, and Retrieverworx also carry Cato products.
Pricing and Bundles
While prices vary slightly by retailer and color, you can generally expect the following:
- Cato Board (Standard): Around $78.95
- Cato Plank XL: Around $94.95
- Plank XL with Tilt Stand Bundle: Around $129.95
Boards are available in a wide range of colors, including teal, brown, blue, purple, orange, and white.
Shipping and Return Policies
Policies differ by retailer, so always check before buying.
- Cato Outdoors (Official Site): Ships only to the contiguous US. They accept returns of unused items within 30 days, but the buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
- Amazon: Items sold by Cato Outdoors LLC on Amazon are often eligible for free shipping with Prime and may be returned within 30 days in original condition.
- Other Retailers: Many, like Clean Run and Retrieverworx, offer free shipping on Cato boards or orders over a certain amount. Their return policies typically allow for returns within 30 days.
The Cato board is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a tool for building a powerful language between you and your German Shepherd. By providing clarity, building confidence, and fostering self-control, it helps you unlock your dog’s full potential. With consistency and positive reinforcement, you can teach your GSD to be a calm, reliable, and well-mannered partner in any situation.
