Basic Commands – Stay

When you give the “stay” command to your dog, you are telling him to stay in the position he is currently in until you come back and release him.  The difference between the “stay” command, as opposed to “sit” and “lie down”, is that the latter only work when you are near your dog.  With “stay” you should be able to walk away without fear that your dog will take off somewhere.

The “stay” command has many potential uses.  For example, if you have guests come over, you can have your dog lie down at your feet and “stay”.  This ensures that your dog will not try and bother your guests for attention.  Likewise, if you are having dinner, the stay command can be used to keep him away while you enjoy your meal.  The “sit” and “stay” commands are also useful while you are fixing his dinner, if you don’t want your dog constantly underfoot.

The first method to teach your dog the “stay” command is to have him sit in front of you.  Move your open palm 2 inches in front of this nose, then give the command “Grover, stay”.  Take a step or two away.  If he moves, make a negative noise like “Acccccckkk!”.  Put your dog back in the correct position while praising and petting him.  Release him with the “release” command.

The second method of teaching your dog the “stay” command involves using the leash.  Just like method one, have your dog sit in front of you.  This time, however, you will loosely hold the leash above his head with one hand.  Place your other hand with an open palm 2 inches in front of your dog’s nose.  Give the command “Grover, Stay”.  Step back a step or two.  If your dog tries to come forward, make the negative noise “Acckk!” while you perform a quick snap and release correction with the leash.  Put your dog back in the sit position, wait for a few seconds, then praise him thoroughly before releasing him.

When teaching your dog the ‘Stay” command, especially if he is a puppy, you will have to be very patient.  It is hard for most dogs, especially puppies, to remain still for very long.  Below is a general guideline for how long you should expect your dog to stay at first.

·        1^st week – 1 or 2 steps back for 10 seconds

·        2^nd week – 3 to 4 steps back for 10 seconds

·        3^rd week – 3 to 4 steps back for 15 to 20 seconds

·        4^th week – 6 to 8 steps back for 20 seconds

If your dog is making mistakes, you are likely pushing him to far too fast.  Ease up and take it slow.

I think you are going to find the “Stay” command to be very useful.  Good luck in teaching it!

Grover

PS - If you feel like you need more information on how to train your dog, you should check out the dog training program that Dove Cresswell has put together.  Dove is a professional dog trainer, training dogs for film and television in Hollywood North (Vancouver).  Her program uses online videos, so it is very easy to follow.  To learn more, click here or on the picture to the right.