Stay is a great command for laying a foundation for future training, getting your dog’s focus, and even keeping them safe in some situations. Here are tips on how to teach your dog to stay in a variety of settings to help them master the cue.
Teach your dog stay with “proofing”
When you’re training your dog with any cue, remember to proof the cue before moving on. Proofing is simply reinforcing a behavior by practicing it under different variables. The four most common variables of training are:
- Distance
- Distraction
- Duration
- Location
Practicing these four variables of training with cues will help your dog recall them in just about any circumstance.
Where to teach your dog to stay
Mix up your location to get your dog used to staying in different situations.
Your entryway or foyer
Get your dog thinking about good habits by training them to sit and stay before you exit or when new people come in. Helpful hint: If your pup gets too excited to stay while people come in the door, break it down—teach your dog to stay in the foyer with no distractions first. Add distractions in gradually as your dog gets more solid.
Your local pet store
Pet stores are a great spot for proofing stay with your dog because of all the exciting sights and sounds: treats, toys, people, and other pups. Put your dog’s stay skills to the test while you browse supplies.
Anywhere outdoors
Once you teach your dog to stay in your home, get outside! Nature is often the best…