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Dear Yvette,

Sonny, our dog is having problems learning to hold a stay. When we back away, he runs to us. So we are pretty sure he is trying, but he isn't getting it. How can we teach him to not follow us?

Paula

Typically, during a competition style sit – stay, dogs are taught to wait until being called. Although there is nothing wrong with this style, it does not always work in the home.

When dogs are eagerly waiting for the next command, they fidget. The animal also can learn to anticipate. This means that they guess the next step and proceed too early.

Competition handlers often correct this by balancing their rewards. Sometimes the dog is called and rewarded. At other times the dog is not called and is rewarded for the stay. If the dog anticipates and breaks too early, they earn nothing. Instead they are replaced. Eventually the dog learns to pay very close attention to ensure they earn their reward.

Pet owners may find that this strategy is more elaborate than their needs require. When dogs are asked to stay, owners generally don't want to issue a second command. They just want the dog to stay planted. If owners do not correct the anticipation, they may end up with a dog who continuously breaks.

This problem can be avoided by modifying the competition exercise. Instead of calling a dog, owners can return to the animal each and every time. This way the dog learns, “Just stay planted because mom or dad always come back.”

Rather than the high energy stay, it produces a very calm and relaxed result. This is ideal for the pet owner who just wants the dog to stay put for a few minutes.

To begin teaching a stay, start by asking for a sit. Don't give a treat, but feel free to praise. Ask for a stay. If you are using a clicker, click and treat. You can use the word “yes,” to communicate the dog has done the right thing. But I prefer the clicker. Dogs respond to it quickly, and I happen to like fast results. Both mean, “You have responded correctly and have earned a treat.”

After several repetitions, you can start adding some distance. Start with ½ a step. Ask for the sit. Ask for the stay. Take ½ a step. Return to the dog. Click and treat. As your dog gets better, add more distance.

If your dog breaks out of the stay, gently replace him. But if he is breaking too often, reduce the distance. You've moved ahead too quickly.

Ensure that you use your normal tone and body posture. You're training for real life. Avoid repeated commands such as, “Staaaay..stay Fido….staaay.” Otherwise you'll be forced to speak that way all the time. Also avoid bending at the waist and holding your hand up. Train for the end result you want.

When you reward, keep your praise calm. Excited praise tends to rile dogs, and it is very difficult for an excited dog to sit still. Reserve enthusiastic praise for high energy activities such as recalls.

When you are able to leave your dog a considerable distance, remember to proof your work. Gradually add distractions so your dog stays even when tempted.

Yvette is an award winning pet writer and pet behavior columnist. She also is the author of Meeting Milo, a North American dog bite prevention program to reduce the approximately 2 million children bit by dogs annually. She is the owner of AwesomeDogs.ca and works as a behavior consultant in London, Ontario.

This column was originally featured in The Londoner
See more of Yvette... www.awesomedogs.ca
www.meetingmilo.com

Yvette has 2 dogs of her own, KIKI and KAYA. Take a look...

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