How to Train a Dog to Stay

Learn how to train your dog to stay on command with these easy steps

See also how to train your dog to sit and dog electric fence

Just as it is unnatural for any child to sit still, it is also unnatural for your dog to sit still or stay in one place – especially if you’re walking away from him.

Keep this in mind when you learn how to train your dog to stay. 

If you remember that this is not a natural act for your dog, teaching the stay command will be a lot easier for you and your dog. The dog stay command is very important because there will be many times where you need your dog to sit still for one reason or another.

If you're wondering "how do I train my dog to stay when I ask him?" read on.  These methods use building blocks to teach your dog to stay for longer and longer periods of time. The key is to start small so your dog can figure out what you want him to do.  Be sure that your dog knows how to perform the sit command before you teach him how to stay.

Step by Step - How to train your dog to stay on command

1.       Perform the sit or lie down command.

2.       Treat your dog.

3.       While standing in front of your dog, extend your hand with a flat palm (like you’re doing a “stop” sign) tell your dog to “stay.”

4.       Slowly move a step away from your dog.

5.       Wait a moment.

6.       Come back to your dog and say “Good stay. Release.”

7.       Treat your dog and praise.

8.       Now, keep your dog in the same spot and this time, you’ll move a little further away from him than last time.

9.       While standing in front of your dog, extend your hand with a flat palm (like you’re doing a “stop” sign) tell your dog to “stay.”

10.   Slowly move a few steps away from your dog.

11.   Wait a moment. 

12.   Come back to your dog and say “Good stay. Release.” 

13.   Treat your dog and praise.

Dog Stay Command Repetition

Continue this repetition until you can move several steps away from your dog while he stays. For the best results, practice this command on a regular basis until your dog does not move from his space no matter how far away from him you go.

Over time, you will be able move further and further away and even disappear from your dog’s sight. Remember to always treat your dog when he has completed the command correctly.

You can also combine this command with the come command. Have your dog sit and stay, and then call him to come. Doing sit-stay-come is an excellent way to exercise your dog’s body and mind.
 

How do I get my dog to stay if he doesn't sit still during the training?

It is important to correct your dog if he does not stay in place when you do the stay command. He won’t learn to stay when he moves from his place during the command. Do the correction even if he moves just a little bit from his original place.

The correction goes like this:

At any time during the stay exercise, if your dog moves from his place, bring him back to the exact spot and try the command again. Every time he moves from his spot, be sure to bring him back to exactly the same place and retry the command.  If he continues to get up, try to shorten the time from when you ask him to stay and the reward.  The idea is to catch your dog doing something right and then lengthen the stay time as you go along.