Stay

Daina Beckman

Happy Tails Dog Behavior & Training

Place your dog in a sit or down position. Give the command “stay” using a firm confident voice. Believe in yourself and your dog. (practice in front of the mirror as with other commands). Place your hand palm out about 4-8 inches away from your dogs nose and hold it there as you confidently say “stay”. You should be standing about one or two steps away from the dog.
Stand in place and count to 3 quietly to yourself keeping your gaze on your dog. Step forward and praise & treat your dog for a “good stay”
While standing about 2 steps away give the command “stay” with your palm facing your dog and now begin to increase the count. First to 5 then 10 then 20 then try 45 seconds, and up to 2 minutes.
Once you have achieved 2 minutes at two steps away begin again. This time try to be 4 or 5 steps away and start with a count of 10.
You are going to gradually increase the distance and time alternating as above.

If you dog moves from the spot don’t say anything to him. Simply place him back in the same spot you had him and start again.

Be sure to treat and praise with a happy voice if your dog accomplishes the stay.
Gradually stop giving the treats but continue with lots of praise every time.

 

Do not punish or tell your dog no if he breaks the stay. Simply put him back without talking and try again. As with other training commands if either of you get frustraited stop and change to a command you are both good at and end on a positive note.