Training a Dog to Stay

The early stages of training should include the "stay" command. This is the first phase of the stay command and should be done when your pet is still a puppy, or if your adult dog has had no formal "stay" training.

Training a dog to stay is simple in concept but it may take many sessions before your puppy really gets it. As with all puppy training, keep it light and short, always ending on a positive note. Don't forget...patience, patience, patience.

Getting Started

Put your dog's training collar on and attach the leash. Have the dog sit then you stand in front of him so you're facing one another. Hold up your hand palm facing the dog, say his name and "stay". Bring your hand to your side and take a step away from the dog. Hesitate, then take another step away. You should be about 3 or 4 feet from the dog. Don't repeat the stay command but stand there for a couple seconds keeping eye contact.

If the dog is successful in staying, advance and give him verbal praise. Be careful here, you don't want to pet him or kneel down with him because he will invariably stand up. Give him the "okay" release command then give him pets and praise.

Correcting the Dog

If your dog stands up and follows you as soon as you step away from him, gently sit him back down and hold up your hand, say his name then the stay command again. If you see the dog starting to rise from his sitting position as your moving away, stop and hold up your hand again saying or growling, "ahahah". Sometimes this will stop him in mid standing and he will sit. If he doesn't sit and stay, start the whole procedure over.

Training a dog to stay can be frustrating. Have patience, they will get it but it usually won't happen right away.

Moving On

Once your puppy can stay when your 3 feet away extend the distance to six feet or the very edge of the leash extension. You don't want the leash to be pulling the dog at all. When the puppy obeys the stay command at 6 feet try it without the leash.

Once you're successful training your dog to stay without the leash, don't take it much further. Until your puppy is an adult you won't have much luck beyond this stage. It is very hard for a puppy to stay away from you when you're so close and staring at him.

By extending the distance or time in the stay position you will be setting yourself up for failure. Remember keep it positive. Let the puppy get a bit older, say six months then take it to more advanced lessons.

Training a dog to stay is simple in the execution but it is usually one of the harder commands to really get into your dog's or puppies' head. Patience is paramount.

Being vigilant and laying the groundwork for the stay command is important though. It can save your dogs life. If the dog obeys the stay command faultlessly you can stop him in his tracks before he wanders onto a busy street.