Trainer Tip: Stay Put, Pooch

Photo: April Ziegler

Teaching your dog to remain in one place and position is more than just an exercise in canine academics.  The "Stay" cue can be used to increase your dog's ability to just chill-out, as well as to prevent irritating behaviors like begging at the dinner table or hovering underfoot while you cook.  Since it isn't possible to run around like a headless chicken and maintain a ten-minute "Down-Stay" simultaneously, working towards longer "Stays" can help your dog develop some downright meditative relaxation skills!  Maybe you don't especially appreciate having a dog that drools at your side while you dine, or busily scans the kitchen floor for crumbs while you cook.  Training your dog to "Stay" on his bed in the corner, for example, can allow you to enjoy a drool-free dinner party and canine-free cooking.

Step 1:  Prepare a cup full of pea-sized, soft treats.  Find a quiet place to practice. You may want to use a dog bed, mat, or carpeted area for your dog's comfort.

Step 2:  Cue your dog to lie "Down" in this area.  Wait for just two or three seconds while your dog remains in this position, then say, "Yes!" and give your dog a treat.  Repeat this five or six times, then take a break.

Step 3:  Cue your dog to lie "Down" and the tell him, "Stay" in pleasant tone of voice.  Hold out your hand briefly, stop-sign style.  Again, wait only two or three seconds, then say, "Yes!" and treat.

Step 4:  Add gradually longer increments of time...work towards 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, one minute!

Step 5:  Once your dog can maintain a "Stay" of 30 seconds or more, you'll shift your focus to how far away you can move.  Again, start small and meet your dog where he can be successful. Tell him to "Stay", give the hand signal, and simply see if you can take one step to your right (if this is too much at first, you might even just shift your weight to the right). Return to him, say, "Yes!" and treat him.

Step 6:  Try working toward different movement goals, like stepping to your right and to your left, stepping backwards, walking around your dog, turning your back and walking away from your dog.  Try different distances, progressing inches, then feet away from your pooch while he maintains that position.

Step 7:  When your dog can maintain a "Down-Stay" from a distance of 10 feet or more, challenge him further with a variety of distractions.  You might start by having him "Stay" while you have a family member walk by, wave your arms over you head, shuffle your feet or clap your hands.  Challenge him further by dropping a toy or treat or rolling a ball past him.

Note: Early on in this process, it may be helpful to have your dog on leash so that you can guide him back to the place you'd like him to stay, should he begin to wander.  You might also choose to tie his leash to a solid piece of furniture so that your hands are free.  If you do the latter, make certain he is tethered to something heavy and stable enough that your dog won't accidentally pull it over!