Dog Training Camp

Training Your Dog To Stay

A proper trained dog is a joy to be around for both the owner and anyone else you happen to come in contact with. Not only will it make for a better relationship but it can help save your pet from being hurt or worse, if he is able to be called to your side to avoid danger.

You should always use a positive approach to training your dog. Rewarding him with a treat and praise will go a lot further than hitting and yelling. Dogs and puppies want your approval and will try to please you to get your praise.

Once you have taught your dog the two basic commands of “sit” and “down”, you are ready to move on to the “stay” command.

First, train the dog to “sit” on command using the word and hand signals. I snap my fingers and simultaneously flip my extended index finger down at an angle to the ground. This gets the dog’s attention-without tying up my hands with a clicker- and shows the proper direction for the dog’s rear. It works surprisingly well.

Then with the pup, teen or mature dog in the sit, I thrust a hand in the dog’s direction palm first and fingers raised giving the voice command “stay”! Not yelling, just distinct and audible over other noise and distractions. Hand movements should be precise and unique to a particular command/behavior.

The dog will tend to follow, so repeat the hand gestures for sit and stay. If the dog fails to comply, take a treat or toy and move it over the dog’s head and slightly back of the eyes. Still visible, but in a direction that forces the chin up. Some dogs will rotate around. Repeat until you get the correct behavior then praise lavishly.

Some dogs will tend to lie down during exercise, especially as you back away a few feet. You may have to train an “up”-“sit” combination before mastering “stay”. Breeds and individuals will vary in how long- how many repetitions over how many days-it takes them to consistently obey, but almost all get it eventually.