Training your dog to “Stay”
Training your dog to “Stay” is one of the most essential behaviour in dog training. More than just a trick, “Stay” builds your dog’s self-control and ability to manage impulses, which are critical for safety and good behaviour.
Whether it’s waiting calmly at a crosswalk, holding their position while you answer the door, or staying put during high-energy situations like playtime, this foundational behaviour sets the stage for advanced training and helps your dog thrive in distracting environments. This article will take you through the steps required to master the “Stay” cue.
If you’re new to dog training, our dog training in Singapore guide can help you get started. For those ready to dive into obedience training, explore the essential steps here!
Components of Stay: Duration, Distance, Release
The “stay” cue in dog training consists of three key components: duration, distance and the release cue.
Duration
Duration focuses on asking your dog to hold a position, such as sitting or lying down, without moving. To build this skill, we use continuous and intermittent rewards. Initially, we reward frequently to reinforce the behavior, then gradually shift to intermittent rewards as they learn to maintain the position over longer periods.
Release Cue
In addition, we incorporate a release cue into training. After your dog hears the stay cue, we add a clear release signal, like “okay” or “break.” Once the release cue is given, we toss a treat away to lure the dog away from the position. This method helps your dog understand that holding the position earns rewards, but once the release cue is used, movement is allowed, and they will be rewarded for transitioning out of the stay. This creates a natural balance between maintaining focus and knowing when to end the exercise.
Distance
Distance is the next component we introduce. Once your dog can stay for about 15 to 30 seconds, we begin adding distance by stepping away and then returning to reward. However, it’s important to note that when distance is added, we reduce the duration back to just 1 second. This allows us to train duration and distance separately, before eventually combining them at the end for a more complete stay command.
Introduce and Reinforce the concept of “Stay”
Have your dog perform a sit or lie down, and reward intermittently. First, we are training the dog to understand the concept of “stay” — that holding the position leads to good things happening. Begin by simply asking for a sit or lie down, then reward intermittently.
Introduce a release cue, such as “okay” or “free,” so the dog understands that once the cue is given, rewards stop, and they are free to move to receive the reward.
Only when the puppy consistently remains in the position after being asked to sit, we introduce the “stay” cue. This helps the puppy associate the “stay” cue with holding a sit or down position. From there, we can generalize the “stay” cue to other positions.
Add the Distance component to your “Stay”
Once your dog consistently remains in the sit or down position when you cue “stay” without moving, you can introduce the distance component. I recommend waiting until your dog can hold the position for about 15 seconds before adding distance.
This increases the difficulty, so we reduce the duration back to 0 and train distance separately.
Begin by cuing your dog to sit or lie down, then cue “stay.” Step away and return immediately. If your dog remains in position and does not move, reward them.
Gradually increase the distance by taking two steps, then three steps, and so on. Repeat this process consistently to build confidence and ensure your dog maintains their stay as distance is added.
Remove the “Lure”
Gradually reduce the use of the sit or down prompt. Once your dog has a solid understanding of “stay,” ask them to stay without the initial sit or down cue.
- Stay Cue: They will understand that staying means remaining calm and focused.
- Release Cue: They will learn that after hearing the release cue, they are free to move towards a reward or engage in other activities.
The same approach applies and we first start by training the duration (without the “lure”). If your dog stays in position, gradually introduce distance while maintaining a strong, stable stay. This ensures they can perform the behavior confidently in any situation.
The ideal state is when you say “stay,” and your dog remains still until you give the release cue.
Wean off the treats
Wean off the treats by transitioning to intermittent reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog occasionally rather than after every stay. Continue rewarding when they hold the position successfully, but reduce the frequency over time. This helps maintain the behavior while building their confidence to stay without relying solely on treats.
Increase the Difficulty
Increase the difficulty by introducing the stay in various environments—both indoors and outdoors, including parks or areas with distractions like other dogs or kids playing.
This helps build a reliable stay in different settings. If your dog breaks the stay, reduce the difficulty by returning to a quieter, less distracting environment until they are ready to handle more challenging situations.
Tailoring Training to Your Dog’s Unique Needs
While these guidelines provide a solid foundation, it’s important to tailor training to your dog’s individual history and needs. Each dog is unique, with different reinforcement histories and experiences that shape their behavior and learning process.
Take Storm, Qiai’s (our Chief Behaviourist) Australian Shepherd, as an example. Storm wasn’t trained extensively on the “stay” cue as a pup. However, Qiai ensured that Storm developed a strong reinforcement history with the “wait” cue, used consistently for practical management—waiting at doors, elevators, and cars to ensure safety and prevent accidents. This foundation allowed Storm to remain calm and controlled in critical moments, like avoiding reactive dogs or giving space to people uncomfortable around dogs.
When it came time to teach “stay,” Qiai chose to build on her existing “wait” cue rather than starting from scratch. Instead of beginning with duration, as recommended in our guide, she jumped straight to introducing distance because Storm could already hold his sit position for over 30 seconds in the “wait”. This personalized approach leveraged Storm’s strengths and made the training process smoother and more efficient.
Every dog’s journey is different—whether it’s a puppy with no prior training or an adult dog with established habits. Recognizing your dog’s unique history and adjusting your approach accordingly ensures training is effective, enjoyable, and suited to their needs. Remember, no one-size-fits-all method exists in dog training. Tailor your approach to help your dog succeed!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Not Staying Consistently
If your dog struggles with staying consistently, it likely means the “Stay” cue is not yet fully under stimulus control. This means the dog may not fully understand what the cue means or may be easily distracted. To improve this, ensure you practice in a quiet environment and gradually introduce distractions.
If needed, revisit the basics to reinforce the association between the cue and the behaviour. If inconsistencies persist, reduce the difficulty—such as shortening the duration or distance—and repeat the process until the “Stay” behaviour becomes reliable. This gradual approach helps build stronger self-control and clarity around the command.
Breaking the Stay Command
Dogs might break the “Stay” cue if they become distracted or overexcited. This often happens when we increase the difficulty—whether by increasing duration, distance, or introducing distractions. It’s normal for setbacks to occur, but if the “Stay” consistently breaks, it’s important to lower the difficulty to ensure the behaviour at a simpler level is reliable before moving on to more challenging scenarios.
While practicing at a lower difficulty, intermittently include one or two harder “stays” to gradually build up your dog’s endurance and focus. Over time, this helps reinforce the behaviour and allows them to handle more demanding situations without losing their composure.
Ignoring the Cue
If your dog ignores the cue, it could be due to insufficient training or distractions. Reintroduce the cue in a distraction-free environment and reinforce the behaviour with rewards. Consistent practice will improve their responsiveness.
Conclusion
Training your dog to “Stay” is a rewarding journey that strengthens your bond and enhances their obedience. If you encounter challenges or need additional support, Pet Coach SG offers dog training services tailored to your needs. Remember, with patience and consistency, you can empower your dog to master the “Stay” cue, ensuring a harmonious and well-behaved companion. Happy training!
