How to teach your dog with the "stay" command.
Introduction
The "Stay" command is a very useful command for any dog to know. It can be used to keep your dog safe in a variety of situations, such as when you are cooking dinner and you don't want your dog to get underfoot, or when you are greeting a visitor at the door and you don't want your dog to jump up on them.
Common Misconceptions
- You should never use the "Stay" command as a punishment. This will only make your dog afraid of the command and less likely to obey it. Instead, use the "Stay" command in a positive way, such as when you are playing a game with your dog and you want them to stay in one place so that you can throw the ball.
- You should never use the "Stay" command for too long. This can be frustrating for your dog and they may eventually start to disobey the command. Instead, start with short "Stay" commands and gradually increase the duration as your dog gets better at following the command.
"Stay" Command - Video Walkthrough
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase:
- Start with your dog in a sit position.
- Give the "Stay" command and then take one step away from them.
- If your dog stays put, mark and reward them.
- Repeat steps 1-3 several times.
- Gradually increase the distance you step away from your dog.
Reinforcing Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably staying in place when you step away from them for a few steps, you can start to introduce distractions.
- For example, you can try tossing a toy or calling their name.
- If your dog stays in place, mark and reward them.
- Repeat steps 1-3 several times, gradually increasing the level of distraction.
Proofing Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably staying in place with distractions, you can start to practice in different environments.
- For example, you can try practicing in your backyard, at the park, or in a store.
- Gradually increase the distance you step away from your dog and the level of distraction.
Maintenance Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably staying in place in different environments with distractions, you can start to move into the maintenance phase.
- This means that you will need to continue practicing the "Stay" command regularly to keep it fresh in your dog's mind.
- You can also try practicing the command in new and challenging situations, such as when your dog is excited or when there are a lot of people around.
- It is important to keep the training sessions short and fun. If your dog starts to get bored or frustrated, take a break and try again later. With regular practice, your dog will be able to stay in place for a long time.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1:
A client came to Partners Dog School with a 1-year-old Golden Retriever named Buddy who was very playful. Buddy would often jump up on people and knock them over. The client was worried that Buddy would hurt someone. We started by teaching Buddy the "Stay" command. We used a combination of positive reinforcement and proofing to help Buddy learn the command. After a few weeks of training, Buddy was reliably staying in place when someone came to the door.
- Case Study 2:
Another client came to Partners Dog School with a 3-year-old Border Collie named Bailey who was very anxious. Bailey would bark and lunge at other dogs when he saw them. We started by teaching Bailey the "Stay" command. We also taught Bailey a "Come" command so that we could get him away from other dogs when he was feeling overwhelmed. After a few weeks of training, Bailey was reliably staying in place when he saw other dogs and coming when we called him.
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
- Be consistent with your training. The more consistent you are with the "Stay" command, the more likely your dog is to obey it.
- Be patient. It takes time and patience to teach a dog a new command. Don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't learn the "Stay" command right away. Keep practicing and eventually they will get it.
- Make it fun! Dogs learn best when they are having fun. Make sure you are using positive reinforcement and make the training process as enjoyable as possible for your dog.
Conclusion
The "Stay" command is a very useful command that can be taught to any dog. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can teach your dog the "Stay" command in a positive and effective way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What if my dog won't stay in place?
A: If your dog won't stay in place, you can try using a physical barrier to block them from moving. You can also try using a leash to restrain your dog and help them stay in place. - Q: What if my dog starts to bark or whine when I give the "Stay" command?
A: If your dog starts to bark or whine when you give the "Stay" command, you can try ignoring them. If they continue to bark or whine, you can try giving them a short time-out.