When training STAY you will focus on 3 dimensions of the behavior.
The dimensions are often termed “The 3 D’s.” They are Duration, Distance, and Distraction, and they are trained in that order. You can train STAY using any position (i.e. dog is sitting, lying down, or standing). The information here assumes a SIT-STAY.
Duration. To begin, we will place the dog in a SIT. We, as the trainers, will NOT move. Stand in front of the dog and praise and treat after about 1 second if the dog didn’t move. If they do move, say “Nope,” and place them back into a SIT in the same place they were before (imagine a mark on the ground where their bottom goes). Target a shorter duration the next time to make it easy for them to succeed. As they begin to meet your target duration, begin to gradually target longer durations (in 1 or 2 second increments) until the dog will STAY for up to 30 seconds with you motionless.
*trainer tip: don't say the word "stay" until your dogs is proficient at it.
*trainer tip: keep the treat rewards out of your dogs' sight - in a pocket or treat pouch - not in your hand in front of the dogs' face.
*trainer tip: avoid progressing in a linear fashion by always requiring a longer duration before rewarding. Instead, bounce around with duration - sometimes reward after 1 second, sometimes after 5 seconds, etc.
Distance. To train the distance part of STAY, relax the duration criteria. Place the
dog in a SIT and take a half a step backward. If they STAY, immediately return to them, praise and treat. If they move, say “Nope” and instruct them to SIT in the same spot. Be sure to make your step even smaller the next time. Gradually make your movements bigger and take more steps back. Try not to go too far too quickly. A few “Nope’s” in a row indicates that you need to relax your criteria. Once you can move backward several feet, slowly begin taking steps to one side, then the other side, and eventually make a circle around the dog. It is common that the dog will try to keep eye contact with you, just be sure they are not moving from the SIT position. Begin incorporating turning away from the dog and walking away, then gradually walk into another room, out of the dog’s vision. Remember to take it slow and maximize the dog’s success!
*trainer tip: avoid progressing in a linear fashion by always requiring a longer distance before rewarding. Instead, bounce around with distance - sometimes reward after 1 step, sometimes after 5 steps, etc.
Distraction. Next, begin training STAY in a more distracting environment. In your training room/area, throw tennis balls past the dog, make noises, throw treats, pet the dog, jump up and down, etc. Again, you will relax both the duration and distance aspects during this time. Once the dog is perfect at each of the three D levels, you may begin adding them together.
The following list of steps is an example and may differ from your specific needs.
SIT for 3 seconds.
SIT for 5 seconds.
SIT for 10 seconds.
SIT for 20 seconds.
SIT for 30 seconds.
SIT while you take 1/2 step backward.
SIT while you take 1 step backward.
SIT while you take 2 steps backward.
SIT while you take 4 steps backward.
SIT while you take 1 step to the left.
SIT while you take 1 step to the right.
SIT while you take 3 steps to the left.
SIT while you take 3 steps to the right.
SIT while you make a circle around the dog.
SIT while you turn your back on the dog for 1 second.
SIT while you sit on a chair.
SIT while you knock on the door.
SIT while you leave sight for 1 second.
You get the idea! Practice in all the situations while gradually increasing the difficulty as the dog can be successful. My rule is 3 successes in a row before making it slightly more difficult.
Real Life Application. Once your dog knows STAY, you can start using it in real life situations. For example, have them DOWN and STAY on a dog bed while the family eats meals or when someone comes to the door. You can use STAY as a foundation behavior for separation anxiety prevention and/or treatment. It is great to reduce dogs darting out of open doors. And it can be very useful for grooming and husbandry tasks as well.
Keep in mind, though, that you must train FOR the situation not IN the situation. If you want to use STAY in these applied ways, you will need to practice it that way!
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