Teach A Dog To Stay - 9 Easy Ways To Train Your Dog To Stay

Nov. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- To teach a dog to stay is almost as essential as teaching him to come because ‘stay’ command can prevent any unwelcome situation. More over ‘stay’ command is extremely useful to keep your dog calm while anyone appear at the doorway or while you have to clean the floor without him following you around.

Training your dog to stay is usually a challenge at first. To make matters much easier start the training session in a familiar environment - free from any distractions. Have adequate treats your dog loves to be used as rewards. Dogs are motivated by compliment and rewards to perform well. After your puppy can give his attention to you, the lesson can be started.

Here are the steps :

#1 Be sure that before you start to teach a dog to stay, he’s already mastered the ‘sit’ and ‘down’ commands.
#2 Place his collar on and give ‘sit’ command. When he's sitting, compliment him and give some treats.
#3 Keep him sitting then say “Ruffie, stay” in a sharp and firm tone. To teach a dog to stay is not the same as teaching him to perform tricks and games where the tone of your voice would be the kind of cajoling. So, give him “stay” command in an authoritative tone of voice to ensure he knows that you are serious in this matter. Stay command can avoid risks of dangers of your dog or anybody around him.
#4 Position your arm in front of you - palm out and make him stay in a still position for 1-2 seconds. Compliment him and say “good boy” then give him his favorite a treat.
#5 Release your dog next say “okay” and allow him to go.
#6 After a while, call your dog and tell him to sit again. If he obeys praise him.
#7 When he is sitting down, give him “stay” command and a hand signal. This time have a few steps back away and wait for 2-3 seconds. While he successfully responds the command, give a pat on his head, praise him and offer him a treat and say “good stay”. But if he goes, start the training from step 1.
#8 Release your dog by giving “okay” command then and allow him to go.
#9 Return the steps 5-6 times and little by little increase the duration of the stay.

The next level of the training:
#1 Give your dog ‘stay’ command then try to inch away from your dog. Progressively increase the distance.
#2 Train him to obey this command in the standing or lying down positions. Your dog should not change positions through the ‘stay’ command.
#3 Now, after your dog can remain put after you give him the command, it is time to train him with distractions. Ask someone to give a sound or talk. Your dog must not move and remain in his position despite of all the distractions.

You'll need patience and consistency to teach a dog to stay. Scolding and physical power will only make the dog lost his focus and the fun of these exercises. To avoid your dog from feeling tired and bored, make the sessions short. It should be last about  5 to 10 minutes once or twice daily.

Actually to teach a dog to stay could be enjoyable if both of you are relaxed and have the similar positive attitude.  

To learn other techniques to train your pup to understand any command click : http://www.howtoteachdog.com.