by Shawn Almgren
A dog that has mastered the "stay" is always a well mannered and safe dog. This command can come in handy in many situations, and isnt as hard as you might think to teach your dog. Before you attempt to begin this training, ensure that your dog already responds to his name and also knows the " sit command " or " down command ", this is very important and those are the foundations for any kind of obedience training. Some may consider sit and stay to be almost the same or unnecessary, because they assume by administering the sit command should be enough to have your dog stay. This isnt so because with most commands you will be around until you allow your dog to go free. Once left alone its the dogs natural instinct to follow their leader.
Have your dog assume the "sit" or "down" position, showing or even letting him smell his/her favorite treat
Begin to place the treat on the ground, (Your dog will move as he/she sees you putting the treat down) as your dog begins to get up, administer the verbal correction " Stay " and pull the treat away.
Tell your dog to sit again then place the treat on the ground. If he attempts to move again, administer the verbal correction and pull the treat away. Your dog will begin to understand that moving denies him the treat.
Once your dog does not move, quickly pick up the treat and reward him by giving it to him. Now he will begin to understand that he is being rewarded for not moving. As you dog gets better you can do this for longer and from further away.
A Few notes to remember
Do this training when your dog isnt all wound up, its difficult to do this while your dog is hyper. After a Jog or walk is perfect
Ensure the training environment is free from distractions.
Dont overwhelm your dog. training should last for a few minutes.
Practice training in different locations, remember minimal distractions.
Have patience, consistency is key to training your dog. dont expect him to understand everything on the first day.
Have your dog assume the "sit" or "down" position, showing or even letting him smell his/her favorite treat
Begin to place the treat on the ground, (Your dog will move as he/she sees you putting the treat down) as your dog begins to get up, administer the verbal correction " Stay " and pull the treat away.
Tell your dog to sit again then place the treat on the ground. If he attempts to move again, administer the verbal correction and pull the treat away. Your dog will begin to understand that moving denies him the treat.
Once your dog does not move, quickly pick up the treat and reward him by giving it to him. Now he will begin to understand that he is being rewarded for not moving. As you dog gets better you can do this for longer and from further away.
A Few notes to remember
Do this training when your dog isnt all wound up, its difficult to do this while your dog is hyper. After a Jog or walk is perfect
Ensure the training environment is free from distractions.
Dont overwhelm your dog. training should last for a few minutes.
Practice training in different locations, remember minimal distractions.
Have patience, consistency is key to training your dog. dont expect him to understand everything on the first day.
