How to teach your dog to stay
Stay teaches your dog what patience means and teaches them self-control.
By Pawfessor Editorial TeamUpdated
- LevelMedium
- Practice timeAbout 200 min in total, over short sessions
- Reps per session10+
- You needTreats
A good stay keeps your dog safe at open doors and in busy places. The secret is building it in tiny steps and always going back to your dog to reward.
Before you start
- A quiet room with no distractions
- Small, soft treats they love (or their own food)
- Choose a release word: "Free!"
Step by step
- Ask for a down
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between stay and wait?
Stay means hold the position until you come back to release them. Wait is a short pause before going through a door or getting out of the car.
How long should my dog stay?
Start with one second. Build slowly to a minute or more indoors before adding distance and distractions.
Why does my dog break the stay?
Usually you've raised more than one of time, distance and distraction at once. Make it easier and win three in a row.
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