How to Teach Your Dog to Stay with Louise and Ivy

Written by Crystal Moore | Last updated 26/07/24

Teaching your dog to stay is an essential skill that significantly enhances both convenience and safety in your everyday life. Picture this: you're pausing to cross a busy road, hosting a lively gathering at home, or simply needing a moment of calm in a hectic situation. Having your dog reliably stay on command is invaluable. This command not only helps in managing your dog's behaviour but also ensures safety and peace of mind.

Do you want to learn how to teach your dog to stay? With patience, consistency, and a handful of tasty dog training treats, you'll have your pup staying still like a pro in no time!

Our Experts Top Training Treat Picks:

Training is a bonding experience for you and your dog, and having the right treats is crucial when teaching your dog to stay. If your dog isn't engaged or motivated, training sessions can feel challenging, but it doesn't have to be that way. Natural dog treats, especially those with an enticing smell, can help capture and keep your dog's attention, ensuring they stay focused on you and the training.

Fish treats are prefect for training due to their highly enticing aroma and low-fat content. This means you can feed more of them without worrying about your dog's weight, making training sessions both effective and enjoyable.

Train your dog to 'stay' using this video

Step-by-step guide on how to teach your dog to stay

Step one:

Begin by having your dog sit. Raise your hand in front of them and clearly say your command word, "Stay." If they remain in place, immediately mark the behaviour with a clicker or verbal cue like "Yes!" and reward them with a treat. Stay close to your dog initially to help them understand the command.

Step two:

Keep repeating the first step until you feel your dog is confident. Consistency is key to reinforcing the behaviour. Your dog will start associating the stay command with staying in place and receiving a reward.

Step three:

Once your dog is confident staying with you by their side, begin to take a step away. If they stay, mark the behaviour and reward them. Gradually increase the duration and distance, taking it slow to ensure your dog remains comfortable and confident.

Step four:

Continue repeating the previous step multiple times. The more you practice, the better your dog will understand the stay command, even as you increase the distance.

Step five:

Once your dog is proficient in the sit position, practice the stay command whilst your dog is in a down position. Remember to vary the distance, duration and introduce distractions gradually

Step six:

When your dog is confident with the stay command indoors, start practising outside. Begin by staying close to your pup and gradually increase the distance. Outdoor environments provide additional distractions, so be patient and consistent.

Step six:

As you continue to build up the distance outdoors, you can also ask your dog to stay in a down position. This variation helps reinforce their understanding and confidence in the stay command.

It's important to note that it is perfectly fine to repeat steps multiple times. Each dog learns at their own pace. If your dog moves when trying to get them to stay, calming ask them to sit and start again. It's essential that training sessions are kept fun and if you're dog is struggling to understand, take a break and try again another day. Remember, practice, patience and positive reinforcement are key to success!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my dog too old to learn how to stay?

Yes! Even though you have a senior dog, it is always good to mentally stimulate their brain. It may take your older dog longer to learn how to stay, but it doesn't mean it is impossible.

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