How To Teach a Dog to Stay

HHow to teach a dog to stayow to teach a dog to stay is a valuable command. There are four basic commands every dog should be taught. Sit”, “stay”, “heel”, and “come”.  How to teach a dog to stay is a relatively simple command and most dogs can learn it in a few short training sessions.  It is a very important command that is used with “sit” and can help keep your dog safe as well as make others more comfortable around your pet.

Before you begin the lesson on how to teach a dog to stay or any training session with Pup, make sure the two of you are alone.  Limit distractions as much as possible; turn off your phone, switch off the television, give the kids something to do for about half an hour, ask your spouse or partner not to interrupt unless it’s an emergency, and remove any food pet toys from your dog’s sight.  Try to do your sessions indoors, as it will be much quieter and you can shut the door to drown out unwanted noises.  Finally, limit your sessions to fifteen to twenty minute intervals only once a day.

During your sessions

How to teach a dog to stay sessions also remember that your dog’s intelligence level is similar to that of a two to three year old child.  Just like with humans, some dogs learn faster or slower than others.  Try to imagine your dog as a toddler, who is starting to learn English and apply the sounds to actions, objects, and persons.  However, this is not to say your dogs is a human.  Pup is still a dog and as such has canine instincts that she or he will follow without question.  Pup will also pick up on your tone of voice, energy, and body language much more quickly than you realize, so try to maintain a positive attitude throughout your sessions.

Find a nice quiet spot

Once you have a quiet space and are in the right frame of mind how to teach a dog to stay will be much easier. Take your dog through the command “sit” a few times, just as a review.  Then have Pup sit and give the command “stay”.  Step back a foot or two and wait to see what your dog does.  Most likely Pup will get up and follow you.  When this happens, do not tell the dog, “No.”  Simply have the dog sit again and repeat the command “stay”, then move back a foot or two again.  Pup will most likely become confused and just sit there.  Wait about five seconds before giving light praise.  A “good Pup!” in a kind voice with a smile is usually sufficient; it tells Pup she or he has done well without causing excitement.  Repeat the same steps, giving the command “sit” then “stay before moving back a foot or two, then praise your dog when she or he has followed orders.

How to teach a dog to stay – Now try moving further back

When your dog appears to understand the command “stay”, try moving further back, about a foot or so at a time.  Your dog may still try to follow you.  If she or he does this, correct your dog calmly and firmly by putting Pup back into a sitting position.  Pup will soon begin to equate the sound of the word “stay” with “I must remain where I am sitting until Mom/Dad tells me I can move”.  Keep working with your pet until she or he will stay even if you are twenty feet away and end every session with calm, loving praise and perhaps even a quick round of play with a favorite toy.

How to teach a dog to stay will prove to be very beneficial as a command all throughout Pup’s life.  Teaching this to your pet along with the other four basic commands will not only reward you with an obedient dog but also a best friend who gives you her or his utmost respect and undying love.

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