This command is ONE of the most important. You need to learn this command.
	The "STAY" can be used as an emergency STOP, as an aid to stop your dog running off, a command needed while getting in and out of the car. It is also needed while grooming your dog. It has so many important and practical uses that makes it one of the key training exercises. The "STAY" has been broken down into easy to learn sections.

HERE WE GO...

First sit your dog on your left hand side with the lead on. This helps you to correct your dog, without running after him if he moves.

Puppies in particular can make this into a great game, so the lead stops this happening.

Place your right hand in front of his face with the command "SIT STAY". The command needs to be firm BUT not loud. Remember you can unnerve some dogs if you are over powering!

Leave your hand in front of his face approx 2ft away. Keep repeating "STAY" and take one step to the side.

As you step to the side tell your dog to "SIT STAY". With the lead in your left hand, which should be loose, not tight, as this can cause the dog to move. Count to ten and return to him. As you return, tell him to "sit". Keep him sitting to a count of five, then finish. Reward with praise, fuss and treats in that order. Try to keep food as your last reward.

HOW TO START AND WHEN.

This position should not be started until your dog can 'sit' and 'down' on command and hold the position to a count of five.

One of the easiest ways is at meal times. Make your dog "SIT," put the food on the floor, and stand at the side of him. If necessary, hold his collar, command "sit stay". Hold your hand in front of his face as a signal commanding, "stay, stay". You must keep repeating the command with your hand still in front of his face, with your other hand on his collar.

Count to ten, command "finish', in a light and happy way, and let him have his reward - which is his meal.

If you try to teach the dog too many things at the same time, the dog can become very confused. Always take time to teach one exercise at a time, and only when your dog fully understands what the command means, do you go on to teach another exercise.

When you start to teach the "sit stay" teach him in the home, in the garden, and in the park, infact where ever you take your dog, use this as a time to train him. At first make sure it is quiet, with no outside distractions, your dog will learn so much quicker.

When your dog is staying in the sit position with confidence then increase your count to ten.

When he is rock solid then and only then, take another step away. That makes two steps when you leave your dog. Increase your count to twenty, commanding "stay" all the time.

Slowly, and I stress slowly increase your distance to the side, and the length of time he has to sit.

If you take your time with this position your dog will be totally reliable. Never rush this exercise, if you try to put too much distance between you, it can encourage him to move, and once this starts to happen you have to return back to the beginning.

Slowly but surely wins the day!

This is a control exercise, and you need to understand what you are asking of your dog. You are not allowing him to move, walk around, sniff, or play. You can understand why some dogs find this difficult.

Never bully your dog if he moves, just start again, and really praise him when he has done it correctly.

When your dog can do a "sit stay" at a short distance for 30 seconds with confidence, then and only then leave the lead at the side of the dog. With the lead still attached to the dog it helps him, because with some dogs when you take the lead off, then he can think the training is over. Also, if he moves it is better to grab his lead instead of his collar as some dogs will not like you grabbing them around the neck. This can lead to problems! It can unnerve some dogs.

So keep the lead attached on the floor at the side, until you and your dog are more than ready to start off the lead stays. © Janet Wesley

The training for "down stay " is exactly the same as the "sit stay". Remember, take your time.

It is an idea to train both stays at the same time. For instance teach a sit first and then a down. This way the dog is learning both positions at the same time.

THE NEXT STEP.

Start to train with distractions. On the fields or the local park where there are footballs, other dogs, children. If you want to increase your distance but still feel the need for a lead, then invest in a 30ft. or a 50ft. tracking line.

Time for off the lead.

You need to go back to the beginning and remember how you taught your dog the "STAY".

This time as you set your dog up remove his lead, but lay it at the side of your dog. This again is another way of moving forward slowly, the lead is not attached BUT it is still there! @ Janet Wesley

If you have any problems, email us for advice. Training@worldofdogs.cc