How to train a dog to stay is a life-saving tool. Imagine your dog bolting out into the street after a squirrel and getting ran over by a truck! If you don't teach your dog to stay, you're running the risk of him getting hurt or killed. Teaching your dog to stay is a fundamental behavior that all dogs should learn and practice often. The following tips will help guide you towards a more obedient dog.
What You'll Need
Training your dog or puppy can be incredibly challenging and requires a great deal of patience. Your dog should already know how to sit and lay down before training a dog to stay. Some dogs respond very well to treats, and positive reinforcement is the key to success.
Low-calorie training treats are recommended, and bigger rewards like pieces of meat should be used when your pooch does something really spectacular - like... staying in a position even when he sees a squirrel!
But make sure whatever the reward is, it's motivational. It must be something your dog really, really likes. Meaning, he would jump through hoops to get his paws on!
Your Frame of Mind
Make sure that you're in a calm frame of mind before beginning. Dogs pick up on human emotions. And if your dog senses that you're angry or irritable, you'll end up having an unproductive session. Remember, your dog doesn't understand what you are asking of him.
So you've got to practice two things: clear communication and consistency.
How to Train a Dog to Stay
Gather a few treats in your hand and ask your dog to sit. After you reward the sit and he's waiting for your next command, introduce the new command, "Stay." Holding your palm out as though you were telling your pup to stop is a good way to communicate your intentions.
As you're holding your palm out, repeat the word "Stay" and take a step backwards away from your dog. If your dog follows you and gets up from the sitting position, tell him, "No!" then ask him to return to a sit.
Once your dog is sitting, again tell him to stay and take a step backwards. Keep repeating the word stay with every step back. As you learn how to train your dog to stay, you will have to come up with a term to release him from the stay position, such as "okay," or "come here."
The only time to reward the dog with a treat is if he stays, and comes to you when you release him.
Consistency is Essential
Practice for fifteen minutes daily. Break up the sessions so that they're short and productive. Practicing several times a day helps you bond with your dog and reinforces the behavior you expect from him.
Teaching a dog to stay doesn't have to take weeks or even months. Follow these tips consistently and patiently and you'll have your dog in a stay position in no time.