Module 6.7 Teaching 'Stay'
‘Stay’ behaviour
Video 1:
When teaching a stay, I like to start with just 3 seconds of stillness. As soon as your puppy holds the position, mark the behaviour with a “yes” (or a click) and deliver a treat. After 3–5 repetitions at this short duration, give your puppy a release cue such as “okay” (or “free”/“break”) to let them take a short break. Once they are confident, you can begin to add a little distance – one step at a time – always returning to your puppy to feed in place. This approach helps strengthen the stay behaviour while keeping sessions calm, positive, and rewarding.
Video 2:
When beginning to build distance with the stay in a new environment, such as outside, it’s important to go back to the early stages of training. There will be more distractions, so the exercise needs to be made easier to help your puppy succeed. Start again with short durations and very small amounts of distance, marking with “yes” (or a click) and rewarding in place, don’t call your puppy out of the stay – this will weaken the behaviour. Gradually build up one step at a time, always returning to your puppy to reinforce the position. By lowering the difficulty and progressing slowly, you help your puppy maintain understanding and confidence despite the increased distractions.
Video 3:
Teaching your puppy a ‘stay’ at the front door is a really valuable skill to help prevent them from rushing out when the door is opened. Start by building a solid stay in a quieter area first, working up to being able to take at least five steps away in different directions while your puppy remains still. Once this is reliable, begin practising at the front door by adding the distraction gradually – start by slightly opening the door, then closing it again, always returning to your puppy to reward them for staying in position. Progress slowly by opening the door a little more each time, making sure your puppy stays calm and still before increasing the challenge. It’s a good idea to have your puppy on a lead during this training, so if they do find it too difficult and move towards the open door, you have that extra layer of safety. This step-by-step approach helps your puppy learn that staying put, even when the door is open, is what earns the reward.
