How to Teach Your Dog to Stay - Silverleaf Canine Academy

Training your dog to stay is a valuable skill that teaches patience, impulse control, and focus. Whether you’re working with a puppy or an adult dog, the stay command can help with many everyday situations, from greeting visitors to staying safe near roads. With consistent practice, positive reinforcement, and patience, you can teach your dog to stay and use it in a range of scenarios.

Supplies Needed to Teach Your Dog to Stay

High-Value Treats: Choose small, tasty treats that your dog loves, as staying still requires focus and patience.
Clicker (Optional): A clicker helps mark the moment your dog successfully holds the stay.
Mat or Blanket (Optional): Using a mat or blanket gives your dog a specific area to stay on, which can help reinforce the behavior.
Long Leash (Optional): For initial training in open areas, a 10-30 ft leash helps keep your dog close while they learn.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teach Your Dog to Stay

Step 1: Choose a Training Location

Start in a quiet area with minimal distractions, such as a room in your home. This will help your dog focus solely on learning the behavior.

Step 2: Begin in a Sit or Down Position

Begin by asking your dog to sit or lie down, as it’s generally easier for them to stay in these positions. Once they’re sitting or lying down, say “stay” in a calm, firm tone.

Step 3: Add a Visual Cue (optional)

Hold your hand up, palm facing your dog, like a “stop” signal. This visual cue helps reinforce the command. Over time, they will start associating the hand signal with the command to stay.

Step 4: Start with Short Durations

For the first few repetitions, ask your dog to stay for just a few seconds. Don’t step away from your dog. As soon as they successfully stay, mark the behavior with a click or a cheerful “yes!” and immediately give them a treat. This quick success will keep your dog motivated. Repeat this several times until your dog reliably holds the stay for a few seconds.

Step 5: Gradually Increase Duration

As your dog gets better, gradually increase the time you ask them to stay. Add a few seconds each session, aiming to build up to around 10-15 seconds. If your dog moves before the time is up, don’t reward or punish—simply start over with a shorter duration. Remember to keep sessions positive, and be patient as they build up their endurance.

Step 6: Add Distance Slowly

Once your dog can stay in place for a short period, start adding distance. Take a single step back while giving the “stay” command, then step back to them before rewarding. Gradually increase the number of steps you take away, returning each time to reward your dog. Don’t let your dog leave his stay to get his reward. By returning to them with a reward, you’re reinforcing the idea that staying put results in good things.

Step 7: Introduce Movement and Distractions

As your dog becomes more reliable, introduce slight movements or distractions, such as moving sideways or turning around. Gradually increase these distractions, rewarding them for staying put. Only increase the difficulty when they’re consistently successful at the previous level.

Step 8: Release Command

Introduce a release word like “okay” or “free” to signal that the stay is over. Stand close to your dog, say the release word, and encourage them to move toward you. This helps them understand that their stay is only complete when they hear the release word.

Troubleshooting Common Stay Training Issues

If Your Dog Breaks the Stay: Stay calm and reset without scolding. Go back to the previous step and build back up gradually.
Struggling with Distractions: Use higher-value treats or reduce the distraction level. Try using a quiet, enclosed area before moving to more stimulating environments.
Difficulty Increasing Duration: Focus on one challenge at a time—either increase the time, the distance, or the distractions. Trying to add all three at once can overwhelm your dog.

Tips to Successfully Teach Your Dog to Stay

Short Sessions: Keep each training session to about 5-10 minutes, especially in the beginning, to keep your dog focused.
Positive Reinforcement: Always reward your dog for successfully holding the stay, and avoid punishment for mistakes.
Practice Regularly: Like any behavior, consistency is key. Practice daily to help your dog develop a solid stay.
End on a High Note: Conclude each session with a successful stay and reward, so your dog leaves with a positive feeling. Even if your dog only stays for a second or two, reward with excitement and end the session.
Patience: It can take time to teach your dog to stay, so be patient and don’t get frustrated.

Everyday Scenarios to Use a Stay

Practicing a stay in real-life situations will reinforce the behavior and make it useful in various situations, such as:

During Mealtime: Ask your dog to stay while you prepare and serve their food.
When Guests Arrive: Use a stay to prevent your dog from jumping on visitors.
At Doors and Exits: Use a stay to keep your dog safe from running out the door unexpectedly.
In Public Places: Practice a stay in controlled environments like the park or during outdoor dining.
Taking Photos: A solid stay can help you capture those perfect portraits every time.

Building a Reliable Stay

Teaching your dog to stay isn’t just a command—it’s a useful behavior that builds patience and impulse control. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your dog can master this skill and learn to stay calm, regardless of the distractions around them.

The key to a strong stay is practice, patience, and rewarding your dog for every bit of progress. Soon, stay will become a natural part of your dog’s behavior, keeping them safe and calm in a variety of situations.