Train Your Dog To Stay

1. Does your dog know how to stay in place when asked? Almost as important as coming when called, the stay command can prevent your dog from getting involved in dangerous situations. It will also allow you to keep your dog still and calm while you take care of household chores, entertain guests, or bring your dog to public places. A successful “stay” occurs when your dog does not move at all from the original position. Start with 1-2 second periods of staying and work up to several minutes.
   Difficulty: Average
   What You Need: Collar, long leash (15-30 feet if possible), training treats that your dog loves, a dog that knows the cues for sit and/or down.

   How to Train Your Dog to Sit

3. 1. Place the collar and long leash on your dog.
4. 2. Tell her to sit or lie down.
5. 3. Say “stay” in a firm, clear voice while holding one hand up, palm out (as if to motion stop).
6. 4. If your dog does not move, give her a treat and praise.
   5. Release your dog from the command by saying “okay” and encouraging her to move.
7. 6. Instruct your dog to sit again and praise her when she complies.
8. 7. Say "stay" again with the hand motion while taking a step or two back.
9. 8. If she stays, give her a treat and praise. If she moves, start over from step 1.
10. 9. Release your dog from the command by saying “okay” and encouraging her to move.
11. 10. Repeat this process 5-6 times, gradually taking more steps back and increasing the time period between “stay” and “okay”.

Training Tips

1. 1. Keep training sessions short and try to end on a positive note with a successful action. If your dog cannot yet stay, then end the session with sit or something else your dog knows.
2. 2. Over time, you should gradually increase the distance between you and your dog. Try to get to the end of the long leash. Remain in your dog’s sight until she understands how to stay. Then, you can try leaving the room after giving the stay command.
3. 3. Try starting this command in the standing or lying down positions. If successful, your dog should not change positions during the stay command.
4. 4. Once your dog has mastered the stay command, try practicing with distractions. Get a friend to talk or squeak a toy. Your dog should not move at all despite the distractions.
5. 5. If you wish to try this outside without a leash, always be sure you are in a fenced-in area.
6. 6. Once your dog becomes an expert at staying, you no longer need to give a treat every time, only occasionally. However, rewarding with praise is always a good idea.

Free tips from world renowned dog trainer