The “stay” command is often one of the first behaviors we’re encouraged to teach our puppies, appearing in numerous puppy classes and essential for many canine good citizen programs. However, after nearly two decades of working with Border Collies, I’ve learned that introducing “stay” too early can be more detrimental than beneficial. This article explores why I exclude “stay” from early puppy training and what I prioritize instead, offering a more effective approach for young dogs.
“Stay” Is Not an Entry-Level Skill
Teaching a young puppy to remain still amidst distractions like people, other dogs, toys, or enticing smells is a significant challenge. This is particularly true for breeds like Border Collies, which are naturally wired to observe, react, and move. When asked to stay before they fully grasp the reasoning or before they have a strong desire to work with you, puppies can experience frustration, disengagement, and even avoidance of training altogether. It’s surprising to see “stay” exercises included even in novice classes, as holding a position while other dogs are active around you is not a beginner skill but rather something to be developed over time.
Focusing on Engagement and Motivation Instead
In the initial stages of training, my priority shifts from stillness to building engagement and motivation. This involves several key elements:
- Cultivating Value for Rewards: Making food and toys highly desirable for your puppy.
- Creating a Fun Training Environment: Ensuring that training sessions are enjoyable and not a source of frustration.
- Utilizing Platforms or Mats: Using physical spaces to reinforce staying in one spot without verbal commands or pressure. This provides a clear cue for the puppy about where to be.
- Training “Duration” in Real Life: Encouraging calm behavior in everyday situations, such as waiting patiently at the crate door or sitting before a leash is removed.
The goal is to teach dogs to want to stay, not because they are commanded to, but because they understand that doing so leads to a positive outcome. This could be freedom to play, a tasty treat, or the opportunity to engage in a desired activity like chasing a ball.
The Pitfalls of Pushing “Stay” Too Early
Experiencing firsthand the consequences of introducing “stay” prematurely reveals several issues:
- Overwhelm and Negative Responses: Puppies may become overwhelmed when trying to “leave” food or hold a position, leading to undesirable behaviors like growling, nipping, or simply giving up.
- Association with Pressure: Dogs can begin to associate training with pressure rather than play, diminishing their enthusiasm for learning.
- Disengagement and Loss of Confidence: This can lead to a complete disengagement from the training process and a loss of confidence in their ability to learn.
While impulse control is a crucial aspect of dog training, its timing is paramount.
Impulse Control Develops Over Time
Once your dog demonstrates several key qualities—motivation to work with you, an ability to focus, and comfort with the training process—you can then introduce controlled and enjoyable impulse control games. At this stage, “stay” becomes a useful and even enjoyable exercise. The critical difference lies in shifting from merely making your dog hold still to having your dog offer calm behaviors because they understand the value and reward associated with it.
Expert Guidance for Your Border Collie Puppy
If you’re seeking clarity on when and how to begin training your Border Collie puppy, you’ve come to the right place. I offer a specialized Border Collie Puppy Training Plan tailored for pups aged 2 to 6 months. This crucial period is ideal for building focus, motivation, and calm behavior before potential issues arise. You can expect guidance specifically designed for the unique needs of the breed, going beyond generic puppy advice. This program is geared towards real-life training for high-drive, working-bred dogs navigating the modern world.
If you haven’t yet welcomed your pup, consider booking a Pre-Puppy Consultation for expert advice to ensure a successful start for both you and your future Collie. Visit the Puppy Training page for current pricing and booking information.
For Border Collies already over six months old, it’s not too late to seek help. An Initial Training Consultation can help create a personalized plan to address any behavioral challenges, focus issues, or other struggles you may be experiencing.
Our approach includes:
- Support from a trainer who deeply understands the breed.
- Positive, breed-aware, and science-backed methods.
- Proven results with Border Collies in various environments, from urban settings to farms.
While based in the UK, our services are available globally through online consultations.
