Training Tip: Stay Command
Has your dog already mastered all the basic commands? If so, it may be time to move on to something a little more challenging! Training your dog to stay is not only a beneficial tool in dog obedience but it can also keep them safe in many different scenarios. This article will go into more detail about the stay command and the steps to take to ensure that your four-legged friend can master it.
It is important to understand that teaching your dog how to stay is one of the most challenging parts of canine obedience. As a dog owner and trainer, you will need to be patience and consistent. Understand that it will take time for your dog to master this as it may be a bit confusing to them at the beginning. We recommend that you offer your dog plenty of treats to keep them encouraged along the way!
It is time to teach the stay command. Below are the specific steps you will take to yield success.
- Position your dog in whichever position you desire when you ask them to stay. Think about positions such as sitting, standing, laying down, etc..).
- Keep the treat (reward) out of sight when you are using the stay command. Provide it once the release word and appropriate behavior has occurred.
- Your dog should understand the association with the “stay” command. It is important to have patience when they are learning so that you can begin to enforce the actual action of staying.
- Once your dog has mastered the stay command, you can take it up a notch and practice moving further away from your dog as you ask them to stay.
Teaching your dog to stay can be very rewarding to you and your dog. As a dog owner and trainer, you will need to have a thorough understanding of the steps to ensure that they are successful in their training program. With consistency and patience along the way, your dog will be able to master the skill in no time!
