The “stay” command is a fundamental behavior that every dog owner should teach their canine companion. Beyond its role in emergency situations, a solid “stay” fosters self-control, enhances obedience, and can even be life-saving. This guide will delve into the nuances of teaching a reliable “stay,” from understanding its variations to implementing effective training strategies.
The importance of a reliable “stay” was underscored by a personal experience where dogs in a “stay” command remained in place for several minutes during a minor neighborhood incident involving a fallen child on a bicycle. This incident highlighted how a well-practiced “stay” can be invaluable in everyday situations, such as tying shoelaces or signing a charge slip at a pet supply store. It also aids in a dog’s self-control, especially during exciting moments like meal preparation or when gathering items for a walk. Furthermore, “stay” is crucial during veterinary visits and grooming appointments, and it’s an essential component of various dog sports like competitive obedience and agility. Its most critical application, however, is its potential to prevent a dog from running into a dangerous situation, such as a busy street.
Understanding the Many Faces of “Stay”
The “stay” command can manifest in various ways, and it’s essential to identify the specific applications relevant to your needs and train for each accordingly. “Stay” can pertain to different positions or places. For instance, you might train a “sit/stay,” a “down/stay,” or a “stand/stay.” Additionally, you can teach your dog to go to a designated spot, such as their bed, and remain there.
Beyond physical position, “stay” can also imply a mental state. For some, it signifies “relax and hang out,” while for others, like agility competitors, it means “don’t move, but remain alert for the next cue.”
Here are some common “stay” variations:
- The Basic Stay: This involves the dog maintaining a specific position (sit, down, or stand) and staying in place until formally released. For example, a “sit/stay” means the dog remains seated until you give a release cue.
- Wait: This is a more casual version of “stay,” implying patient waiting for a short period, with the understanding that something is coming. It’s often used at doorways.
- Go Relax or Go to Bed: This type of “stay” emphasizes place and mindset rather than a strict physical position. The dog is taught to go to their bed or another designated spot and relax there, with or without a distinct release cue.
- Dog Sport Stay: For disciplines like agility or obedience, a ritualized “stay” behavior is integral. This often involves a specific cue, signal, or body language to initiate the “stay” and a unique release cue for reliability.
A common pitfall in training a reliable “stay” is the blurring of these variations. Dogs can become confused if they are sometimes asked to stay in one position, sometimes in one place, sometimes allowed to leave their position or place without a release, and sometimes required to hold the position until released with varying cues. Before beginning training, it is crucial to develop a clear picture of the specific behavior you are training. For the purposes of this guide, “stay” will refer to the basic “stay” where the dog holds a specific position until formally released.
The Controversial Cue: Do You Need a Separate “Stay” Cue?
When you ask a dog for a stationary behavior like “sit,” “down,” or “stand,” the implicit expectation is that the dog will remain in that position until released. Essentially, the “sit” cue implies “sit and stay there.” However, having a distinct “stay” cue can offer several advantages:
- Clarity for Different Stays: If you train various types of “stays,” a distinct cue for each can help your dog understand the specific expectation.
- Reassurance in Difficult Situations: A separate “stay” cue can act as a backup or reassurance for your dog in challenging or emergency scenarios, signaling “Keep sitting. You’re doing great.”
- Versatility: If you use the word “stay” consistently across different positions (sit, down, stand), you can more easily transfer this cue to new or unique positions. For example, if a veterinarian needs your dog to lie on its side, you can gently position them and use the “stay” cue to indicate you want them to remain still during examination.
- Reinforcement for Inconsistent Releases: If you are not consistently using a distinct release from a “sit” or “down,” a dedicated “stay” cue can provide much-needed clarification for both you and your dog.
A balanced approach involves teaching your dog that “sit,” “down,” and “stand” mean to hold that position until released, and then, once the behavior is established, adding a secondary “stay” cue or hand signal.
Training the “Stay” Command
When you first teach your dog to “sit,” you “mark” the desired behavior with a clicker or a verbal cue like “Yes!” and immediately offer a treat as their bottom touches the ground. Most dogs quickly learn to sit, but they may then pop up the moment they hear the click. Here’s how to progress from a brief sit to a solid “sit/stay”:
- Gradually Extend Duration: When asking your dog to sit, gradually increase the time between their sitting and when you click or say “Yes!” Begin with a half-second count, then one second, then two, working up to 10 seconds before clicking and treating.
- Vary Timing: Alternate longer and shorter intervals between treats. For example, click and treat after 10 seconds, then after 3 seconds, then 7 seconds, and so on.
- Address “Breaking” the Stay: If your dog stands up, don’t be overly concerned. During the learning process, they may experiment. If they break the “stay,” simply ask them to try again and make your criteria easier. If your dog breaks the “stay” twice in a row, or if you’re getting fewer than four out of five correct responses, reduce the difficulty and progress more slowly. Avoid verbal scolding or corrections, as this can lead to insecurity. Once your dog can hold the “sit” successfully four out of five times in a session, gradually increase the duration until they can comfortably hold it for 30 seconds.
- Introduce a Distinct Release: If you want your dog to remain in position until a distinct release cue, try this: After clicking, immediately place the treat directly under their nose. This reinforces the position without requiring them to get up. If you follow the click with several consecutive treats, your dog will learn to stay in position to anticipate the next reward. Conclude with a distinct release cue, such as “Okay!”
- Add the “Stay” Cue: Once your dog can reliably hold a “sit” for 30 seconds, you can introduce the hand signal or verbal cue for “stay.” Ask your dog to sit, give the “stay” cue, and continue practicing as described above.
The Three D’s of Reliable Stays: Duration, Distance, and Distractions
Incorporating the “three D’s” into your training regimen is crucial for developing a reliable “stay”:
Duration: This refers to how long your dog can maintain the behavior. You’ve already begun working on 30-second durations for a “sit/stay.” Aim for one to three minutes for a “sit” and two to five minutes for a “down.” While some train for longer durations (up to 30 minutes in a down position), it’s often more comfortable for dogs to transition to a “go to bed” command for extended periods, allowing them to shift positions for comfort.
Distance: This encompasses how far away you are from your dog while they are in a “stay.” Train your dog to stay even when you move away or change your body position (turning away, kneeling, stepping aside). Start by taking half steps back, turning your body, or stepping slightly to the side. As your dog gains confidence, gradually increase the distance, eventually working up to staying while you are out of sight. Initially, practice distance and duration separately. When working on duration, keep the distance and your body position within your dog’s comfort zone. When working on distance, only stay away for a few seconds before returning. To prevent your dog from anticipating the release and running to you for a treat, return to your dog and click and treat while they are still in the correct position.
Distractions: Once your dog has mastered the basics of “stay” in a controlled environment, begin training in different locations with varying distractions. Expect to start with shorter durations (three to four seconds) in a new environment. Begin with easier locations like your kitchen, living room, or backyard. As your dog improves, practice during your daily walks and in other frequented places. Initially, introduce only controllable distractions, such as waving your arms or jumping, and gradually build up. Eventually, you’ll need to practice with common distractions like people walking by, other dogs, or a bouncing ball. To maximize success, set up situations where you can control the distractions until your dog consistently succeeds at each level. With sufficient practice, your dog will learn to maintain their “stay” even amidst significant real-world distractions.
Secrets to Success: Realism and Consistency
The keys to achieving a successful and reliable “stay” are realism and consistency. Work with your dog at a level they can realistically handle. Pushing them beyond their current abilities, resulting in them breaking the “stay,” will only undermine their confidence and make the behavior harder to establish. If your dog breaks their “stay,” make the task easier and build on their successes.
Be highly consistent in your training. If your dog struggles, simplify the exercise and progress more gradually. While calm and confident dogs may advance more quickly, patience and consistency will enable even high-energy or insecure dogs to develop a rock-solid “stay.”
