Train your dog to stay in command

It’s no secret that dog training is crucial to having a happy and fortuitous relationship with your family’s best friend, but training a dog isn’t always easy. That is why it is important to know the steps necessary to train your dog to stay when you want him to.

Puppies and adult dogs are similar to people when it comes to dog training, especially when it comes time to train your dog to stay. Puppies are energetic balls of fur that want to play, jump and lick you until there’s nothing left to lick. As a result, puppies need extra attention and an understanding that they won’t be able to process the fact that you’re no longer in the room, even if the command to stay is still in place.

Training your dog to stay starts with small steps

If you’ve ever noticed how newborn puppies begin to walk, you know that they do so with small, unsteady steps. All animals, especially dogs, will learn in the same way. When you want to train your dog to stay, don’t expect him to do so while you walk away and disappear down the hall. You’ll need to make small, unstable moves first, and consider each small victory important in the process.

Positive reinforcement is the ultimate key to success. No one should yell at their dog for behaviors they exhibit that are unwanted. This is called negative reinforcement. Animals crave attention and so when they get attention if they are hungry for it, even if yelled at, they are more likely to continue the behavior. Instead, use treats in small amounts to reinforce the behavior you are looking for from them.

When you are ready to train your dog to stay, you should repeat the word a few times to get him familiar with it. He starts by standing in front of his dog. The dog does not need to be seated, as long as you give him his full attention. Let them know he has a treat by giving them a small reward. This can be breaking off a piece of the treat or using a handful of small treats.

He must then give the firm command, ‘Stay’ and take a step back. If they follow you, gently push them back to their starting point. If they stay and wait, give them a treat. Repeat this by rewarding them with each step you take. With time, they will have the command at their fingertips.

Just remember, when you want to train your dog to stay, he needs to be reinforced over a longer period of time, so continue his training for several days. It may take weeks for older dogs or puppies with more established behavior.