How To Train A Dog To Stay
Learning how to train a dog to stay is a very rewarding command to learn. It's more than just when you want to go to another room but when on outings, when having visits and more. Having your dog lay down and stay in the designated place may seem impossible but with some basic steps and lots of practice it's very possible!
Training
Sit - Down
Before you can teach your dog to stay you should train your dog to sit and/or to go down. See How To Train A Dog To Sit and How To Train A Dog Down
Starting Slow
Whether you decide to have your dog sit and stay or lay down and stay is up to you. What ever your prefer will work. If your unsure I recommend going down and stay but again the choice is yours! To begin make sure you have your yummy treats. You want to start slow. Have your dog go in the down (or sit) position. Step back slightly then come right back and reward them if they stayed in the position. At first a slight step may seem like nothing at all but you will build on this.
Moving Farther
Once you have that down perfectly start moving a little farther back, you can also hold your palm out. Remember to get back quickly to reward the dog for staying in position, keep practicing at moving farther away and increasing the time it takes for them to get the reward. Don't go to quickly though. Master small steps first.
Stay
Once they are doing well add your command ''Stay'' and of course when they do reward them. If ever they get up do not reward them and come back. Start again. Once you have this mastered in a distraction free zone, move else where to more difficult places like outside or at the park. Remember to keep leashed for safety in public or wilderness places.
Before you can teach your dog to stay you should train your dog to sit and/or to go down. See How To Train A Dog To Sit and How To Train A Dog Down
Starting Slow
Whether you decide to have your dog sit and stay or lay down and stay is up to you. What ever your prefer will work. If your unsure I recommend going down and stay but again the choice is yours! To begin make sure you have your yummy treats. You want to start slow. Have your dog go in the down (or sit) position. Step back slightly then come right back and reward them if they stayed in the position. At first a slight step may seem like nothing at all but you will build on this.
Moving Farther
Once you have that down perfectly start moving a little farther back, you can also hold your palm out. Remember to get back quickly to reward the dog for staying in position, keep practicing at moving farther away and increasing the time it takes for them to get the reward. Don't go to quickly though. Master small steps first.
Stay
Once they are doing well add your command ''Stay'' and of course when they do reward them. If ever they get up do not reward them and come back. Start again. Once you have this mastered in a distraction free zone, move else where to more difficult places like outside or at the park. Remember to keep leashed for safety in public or wilderness places.
TIPS: DO
- DO reward your dog quickly in the beginning.
- DO be patient, this may take some time!
TIPS: DON'T
- DON'T reward your dog if they stand. Even if they stayed for a little bit. If you reward them after standing they will think Standing=Treat.
- DON'T holler or punish your dog for not staying. Just calmly start again.
Enjoy Your Newly Trained Canine
You will find lots of times to use the stay command. It is an incredible tool and stepping stone to many basic canine manors and you will not be disappointed in taking the time to train stay. Yes, it will take patience like all training but it's well worth it!
