Teaching your dog how to stay down is a skill that can take some time and effort to learn. Dogs do not have the same ability to learn things as people do, and they require patience and consistency to accomplish the task. Your dog will not be successful if you keep yelling at them or using other punishment methods, because this will teach them that it is unacceptable behavior. The best method to learn how to teach a dog to stay is to use dog training tricks.
When teaching a dog how to stay, the first thing you need to do is establish a positive relationship with him or her. If your dog has been trained to behave properly, then they should learn to stay away from things that cause harm to themselves or others. For example, if you are outside with your dog and he or she begins to bark, immediately step out into space and say “stay” in a firm but consistent voice. Do not try to reason with your dog, because they will eventually respond to your commands. Once your dog understands the link between the word stay and the actions of staying, they will not bark at you anymore and will always remain down.
Another one of the dog training tips on how to teach a dog to stay is to be patient and consistent. This may take some time, but in the end your dog will be rewarded with obedience and devotion. It does not matter how much time you spend trying to correct their behavior, if they are not responding correctly then you need to step in and make sure that they are being consistent. You may find that your dog likes to bark at odd times of the day or night, so be sure to use dog training tricks to get his or her attention and to encourage obedience.
To begin teaching your dog how to stay, you must be consistent with your training methods. The same basic rules apply no matter what dog training tricks you use. Your dog should be on a leash when you walk them, and they should be in front of you at all times. You want your dog to see you as the leader of the pack, so be sure to be consistent in your actions from the very start. Dog training tricks like the shake can reinforce staying, because the dog will recognize the action as a sign that they are being praised.
The heel command is often used in dog training tricks to teach a dog to stay right in the same place. To begin, you need to be right next to your dog, standing directly in front of them. Then say the heel command, as forcefully as possible. If you have any hesitation or struggle while saying the command, stop and wait for your dog to take notice of your actions.
If your dog shows no sign that they hear or understand the command, simply stand still, facing them. While your dog is focused on you, offer your hand in a comforting gesture. Your dog will most likely follow your motion and will stay right where you are. If they do not, simply move your hand out to their side, in a beckoning motion.
When the dog stays put, offer your hand again, and allow your dog to sniff at it. They may sniff it and look around at the area of their heel. If they look in that area, offer your hand again, and they will stay with you. Repeat the procedure a few more times, until your dog is comfortable with the idea of walking around on your heels. This will help them to learn that when you call their name, they get expected responses from your voice, without you having to ask them to do anything in particular.
If your dog doesn’t seem to learn how to stay on your heels at first, keep repeating the heel command. Keep encouraging them every time they follow your command, until they finally understand what you are trying to teach them. Be patient, though, as dogs can take a while to grasp new concepts. Eventually, they will be able to walk around on your heels without your encouragement. It will be worth the time and effort though, once your dog gets used to how to sit and learns that your command is meant to be positive.
