If you would like your dog safe then one of the most important things you can do is train him to “Stay”. When your dog masters this command you can rest assured that you could keep him inside a safe spot when there is danger around.
Important as it might be, the “Stay” command can be quite difficult for your dog to learn. Why? Simply because this command mandates that your pet stay put while you maneuver around – this is often difficult as it is in your pet’s nature to follow along with you. However, with persistence and perseverance, you are able to both master this command.
Before you begin training your dog to stay, you have to make sure he's mastered the “Sit” command as it is part one from the “Stay” command. Don’t confuse your dog by trying to teach him too many commands at the same time, start with one, then proceed to the following after which the following and so forth.
With that said, in case your dog has mastered the “Sit” command, here are some steps to follow in order to train your dog to “Stay”:
1.Begin with your pet in the sitting position. Put your hand up with the palm facing your dog and say “Stay”. Use a firm and clear voice for the command. Then take a step backwards.
2.Your dog’s natural tendency will be to follow you so he will probably get up and come your way. You now want to repeat the “Sit” and “Stay” commands.
3.This is when it may get tricky. Some dogs will “get it” and stay in just a couple tries, but others insist on getting up and following you. If yours insists on following, there's a little trick you can try to reinforce the behaviour you would like. You will need to be near some sort of post or perhaps a tree. Put the dog’s collar along with a long leash on and wrap the leash round the tree while keeping your hands on the finish. Since the dog starts to move towards you, you can pull about the leash which keeps him in position.
4.Once you get your pet to stay after you have taken one step, try taking two steps, then three, then four. You will find that the even further away you receive, the less your pet “stays”. Here's where persistence and repetition enter into play – just keep using the command while moving further and even further away.
Training your dog to stay can be tough especially because it goes against your dogs nature of following the Alpha dog – you. Remember, its not necessary to hit a house run throughout the first training session. Do a little bit each day and you'll soon discover that your dog is staying in position for longer and longer levels of time.
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