6 Tips to Teach Your Dog “Stay”

Let’s be honest, we love it when our dogs are obsessed with us. Following us around is one way that dogs show loyalty to their humans. However, as fun as it is to have your own little shadow, it’s important that your dog learns how to “stay”. The command “stay” can be beneficial in situations where having your dog right next to you would be more of a hindrance than charming. It can also be used when you don’t want your dog to engage with their surroundings. Today, I’m giving you 6 tips to teach your dog “stay”.

1. Define Your Cue and Release Words

“Stay” is a tricky command to teach your dog because it does not come with immediate praise. When you teach your dog to sit, you praise them as soon as the action is performed. With stay, the goal is to have them follow the command, by staying put, for an increased amount of time. Because of this, it can be difficult for dogs to understand what we are asking.

Before teaching the command, define your cue and release words. Your cue word should be “stay”, accompanied with a hand signal such as holding up your palm. Common release words for the command include “okay”, “free”, or “release”. 

Familiarizing your dog with these words and signals will help them better understand what you’re asking them to do.

2. Increase the Length of the Command Gradually

When you begin training this command, it’s important to gradually increase the length of time you expect them to stay. 

To start, put your dog in a position such as “lie down” or “sit” and ask them to “stay”. Then, slowly back a few steps away from them. Free them from the position using your release word within 3 seconds of telling them to “stay”. 

If your dog doesn’t immediately come to you upon hearing the release word, encourage them to do so and then praise heavily. 

Keep up with this brief “stay” until your dog is consistently coming when you give them the release cue. Then, slowly increase the amount of time you ask them to stay. 

3. Go Back to Them

Teaching your dog to recall back to you upon hearing the release word is great, but it’s important that they don’t mistake “stay” as a recall command. Spend time practicing the command both by having them recall to you and also by walking back to them before giving them the release word.

4. Increase Distance

Ultimately, you want to be able to walk out of your dogs view without them moving. Once your dog is willing to stay for longer periods of time while you’re in view, practice the command by leaving the room.

Start by moving yourself to a location where you can see them but they can’t see you. This way, if they do follow you you can immediately correct the behavior. Increase the distance with time by moving all around your home while asking them to stay. Just don’t forget to return to them!

5. Practice with Distractions

The most difficult part of stay for the majority of dogs is distractions. Your dog may be able to sit and stay for 10 minutes at a time but then take off the second they see a squirrel run by. It’s important that your dog learns to stay even when distractions are present.

Practice the stay command with distractions around to hopefully desensitize your pup. Start with minor distractions such as a person they see every day or a treat that isn’t too high value. From there, gradually work your way up to more difficult distractions such as other dogs. 

It’s important that your dog masters this command in a place with little to no distractions such as your home and then eventually you can work your way up to mastering it in a distraction heavy environment such as a public park. 

6. Be Patient

Like with any new command, it may take awhile before your dog fully masters “stay”. Don’t get frustrated if your dog doesn’t catch on right away. Remember to work on it for short periods of time frequently and they’ll get it eventually.

Being able to stay for long periods of time in distraction heavy environments will be very beneficial for both you and your dog in the long run.