How to Train Your Dog to Stay

By eHow Pets Editor

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Teaching your dog to "stay" involves the same positive reinforcement techniques necessary for all training. Be sure your dog understands a "release" command first so she'll know when it's OK to move from the "stay" position.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Dog Bones
Dog Dishes
Dog Food
Dog Toys
Dog Training Aids
Dog Treats

Step1

Be sure your dog understands a release command, such as "free" or "okay," before teaching this command.

Step2

Have your dog sit or lie down in front of you. (See Related eHows "Train Your Dog to Sit" and "Train Your Dog to Lie Down.")

Step3

Place your hand, palm open, in front of your dog's nose and give the command "Stay."

Step4

Say "Good" at the exact moment your dog exhibits the behavior you want.

Step5

Give the release command immediately after (within 1 to 2 seconds), followed by treats and unlimited praise.

Step6

Reward your pet even if she only "stayed" for 1 second; and always offer rewards for even slight indications of understanding.

Step7

Lengthen the amount of time your pet remains in the stay position very gradually, and slowly move farther away.

Step8

Remember to give the release command after every successful "stay" as you increase the length of time your dog must remain in the position.

Step9

Avoid going into another room until your dog fully understands the command.

Step10

Train in 5-minute sessions.

Tips & Warnings

Give the release command for a sit/stay after 1 minute maximum. You may have the dog in a down/stay for longer periods of time.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Another good technique is have a treat out and lay it on the floor and hold it there for a few seconds. After the few seconds tell the dog to come, then tell him to stay when he's about halfway to the treat, then reward your dog with the treat.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Repeat the words "stay boy" or "stay girl" and hold out your hand. Walk backwards but keep eye contact with them. Reward them!

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Be patient with your dog and train him every day for only a couple of minutes. It's much better than having a 30 minute training session at the end of the week. Remember to have lots of fun. If he's not doing the right thing, don't get frustrated...Just stop for a rest.

Anonymous said

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on 2/28/2006 Hold you dogs food and tell them to sit and stay. Back up a few steps and start to lower the food to the floor. If the dog moves, raise the food back up, have them sit and reinforce the stay command. As soon as the food hits the floor release them and let them eat, and praise them while they eat. Gradually lengthen the time between the food hitting the floor and your release. Our dog picked it up in a couple of days, hope it works for you.

Anonymous said

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on 2/15/2006 Repeating a command sends the message to your dog that the first time you give a command it isn't mandatory, and he can get away with disobeying until the 3rd or 4th time you give the command. Especially with a stay command, you don't want to have to be there telling the dog to stay over and over again. Eventually you want the dog to stay, even when you're in another room.

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