Teach Your Dog to Stay

In many canine/human relationships, the roles are out of balance. Just take a trip down to the park, and you will see humans running to “fetch” treats and balls while their canine companions lounge around in the shade. Who’s the master in these situations? Who’s the master in your home?

To teach a dog to stay, you first need to have mastered the “sit” command. Start teaching the “stay” command by commanding your dog to sit. Once your dog is in position, place your hand out, palm facing your dog. Firmly command your dog to “stay” while executing the hand signal.

Now, take a step back away from your dog.

In most cases, your dog will try to follow you. If this is what your dog does, repeat the command. If after several attempts your dog still hasn’t gotten the idea, place a treat or toy over his head just slightly behind the eyes. This will force your dog to look up and will also divert his attention from what you are doing. Don’t forget to praise your dog when he does the desired behavior.

After a few successful attempts with the toy, try again without it.

Once your dog consistently stays in place while you take one step back, you can begin increasing the amount of space that you put between you and your dog. Take two steps, then three, then four and eight until you can be a good distance from your dog before he gets nervous and wants to follow you.

Your dog will naturally want to follow you. If you are having a great deal of trouble in this area, try to use a long leash wrapped around a tree to hold your dog in place. Tug on the leash and issue the “stay” command. Do not choke your dog or pull forcefully on the leash. The leash should be used as a gentle restraint until the time when it is okay for your dog to return to your side.

If your dog becomes bored and lies down during the “stay” command, you may have to teach your dog an “up” command to keep him from napping on the lawn during training. Be patient. It will come in time. Remember to work with your dog daily. Try to set aside a half hour or an hour to spend with your dog each day. This will help reinforce all commands learned and it will also strengthen the bond that you have with your dog.

After your dog has remained in the “stay” position for a few seconds, call for him and offer an abundance of praise. Once your dog understands the command, increase the amount of time that you keep him in the position. Be sure to increase the time gradually so that your dog will not forget that a reward is in sight.

Be consistent and be patient. Never forget to offer praise for a job well done. Your dog wants to please you. All you have to do is show him how in a way that he understands.