Teaching A Dog To Stay Can Keep Your Pet From Getting Hurt

Teaching your dog to stay is imperative not only for his safety, but in order to make him more pleasant to be around as well. However, this is not always as easy as it may seem.

One thing you need to do when training is make sure your dog knows that you are the boss. Frequently using the ’stay’ command is a good way to do this. ‘Stay’ means that your dog will have to be still in one place while you walk around, and can’t move until you give permission. If you aren’t the alpha in your home, the opposite thing will usually be taking place.

First, teach the dog to ’sit’ on command utilizing the word and hand signals. I snap my fingers while flipping my extended index finger at a downward angle toward the ground at the same time. This attracts the dog’s attention without impeding my hands with a clicker. It also indicates the correct direction for the dog’s rear. Astonishingly, it works quite well.

Then with the pup, teen, or adult dog in the sit, I thrust a hand in the dog’s direction, palm first, fingers raised, giving the voice command to ’stay!’ Not shouting, just distinct and audible over other noises. Hand motions should be exact and unique to a certain command/behavior. Take a step back.

Chances are that the dog will try to follow you, so do the hand gesture for sit and stay again. If the dog still doesn’t obey, move an attractive treat or toy over the dog’s head. It should be visible by the dog but only if his chin is facing upward. The dog may even turn around. Keep doing this until your dog obeys, and then let him know with warm praise. Repeat the process.

Teaching a dog to stay is a progressive process for your dog. When your dog will “stay” while you take one step back, begin taking two steps back. Increase that to four steps, then eight steps. Be aware that the further you move from your dog, the less likely your dog is to remain in one place. Your dog will want to move closer to you as he sees you as the alpha of his pack, and dogs instinctively follow their leader.

If your dog will not stay when commanded to, there are ways to fix this. First, put your dog on a long leash or a rope. Secure the leash to an object that won’t move, such as a tree. If no object is available, another person can be used to hold the leash stationary. However, if you use this method, the dog may not know who they should be listening to, so it should be a last resort. You should hold the leash while you face your dog. When your dog moves, tug on the leash, confidently say “stay,” and give a hand gesture telling the dog to stay. Be careful not to pull too hard, as you don’t want your dog to fall and to think he is being punished.

If your dog lies down after you step away while practicing “stay,” they will not be remaining still and will therefore not be following your command. You will have to have them sit again, and because of this, you will possibly have to teach your dog an “up” and “sit” command combination before you teach your dog to “stay.” Your dog’s breed and individual personality will play a role in how long it will take your dog to learn the “stay” command, but almost all dogs will eventually be able to learn this useful skill.

When your dog has mastered the stay for a short while, tell him to “come” in a tone that differs from the “stay” command. Use a unique hand gesture with it. Make it exact but not something you normally do. Select behaviors and attitudes should have specific commands.

Remember, teaching a dog to stay is a basic core component of his training so be sure to heap praise on your dog when he listens, and with every successive try let the ’stay’ last a little longer than last time. You’ll know when you’ve reached the end of your training when you can go inside and be completely out of sight and your dog will still ’stay’. After one minute, though, give your dog the OK to move freely.