Building the STAY

Building the STAY in obedience

So, you’ve taught your dog to sit and down, and now want to complete the training process to help them build more self-control and help you gain more leadership.

Once your dog fully understands the position you want them to go into, you can then continue to add DURATION to their position. (remember they are still on leash always while teaching and proofing skills!)

This means in the same way that you PAID your dog for sitting, you’re going to PAY your dog for staying.

If you are using treats, it will look something like this

“Sit” – gives treat, stays close to dog and pays again, every second or two the dog holds that position, give another treat. When they get up, no treat, let them figure out they only get paid while in that position.

Repeat until you notice your dog wanting to stay in the sit position so they can get more treats.

If you are using toys, it will look something like this

“Sit” – uses leash to add pressure in upward direction, then after only 2 seconds say your release cue “OK!” and throw the ball. (Throw the toy AFTER you say your release cue, not at the same time)

Repeat by adding seconds to their time, and using the leash pressure to guide them back into a sit if they pop out of command.

Repeat these steps until you see that your dog is understanding what you're doing. They don’t have to be perfect, and you never want to wait more than 2-3 seconds without releasing or rewarding. And you NEVER want to back up after telling them the command. Stay close, teach them to hold position longer FIRST before teaching DISTANCE. Don't do too much too fast!

Use the leash to guide them back into position when they pop out of command before being released, slowly adding more time to their command, and being VERY excited when releasing them out of command.

Once your dog can do a solid 30 seconds DURATION in command with you standing directly next to them holding the leash, ready to apply pressure if they pop up, THEN you can start adding movement and distance.

Start by holding the leash again and moving one step to the left or right, if your dog still holds position, pay them or release them to the toy.

If your dog pops out of position because you moved this time, use the leash to guide them back and repeat the movement. Only do small movements first to help your dog acclimate to this new distraction. Build on this over time and reps until you can step backwards.

Most people for some reason start backing up immediately after asking their dog to down or sit. If this is new to them, you need to teach them to HOLD the position first which is DURATION first, then once you’ve mastered duration, you can add your distance.

To read more about how to use the leash to teach pressure, see my blog post on “Leash Pressure”