Teaching your dog to stay is one of the most important commands they can learn. It helps keep them safe and calm. A dog who knows how to stay is less likely to run into the road and can stay focused, even in busy places.
But before you teach your dog to stay, make sure they know how to sit, says Ivan Petersel (CPDT-KA), a dog trainer and founder of Dog Wizardry.
Whether you’ve got a puppy or an older dog, it’s never too late to teach a dog to stay. Here’s what you need to know.
What You’ll Need to Teach Your Dog to Stay
When teaching a dog to stay, Petersel recommends these items:
- High-value treats (or another reward of your choice)
- Clicker
- An elevated platform to speed up a dog’s learning
- Indoor dog lead (if you’re using a platform)
6 Steps to Teach Your Dog to Stay
Teaching your dog to stay is easier when you break it down. Follow these six easy steps to help your dog master the “stay” command.
1. Pick a quiet spot
To help your dog learn, start training in a quiet place with no distractions. Choose a room where your dog feels comfortable.
Before starting, make sure there are no new sounds or smells that could distract them.
2. Ask your dog to sit
Tell your dog to sit and reward them. During this early stage, Petersel says to reward them as soon as their bum touches the ground. If you’re using a clicker, click when they sit and then give them a treat or reward.
You can use training treats, toys, praise, or even a belly rub—whatever your dog likes best.
3. Make them sit longer
After your dog sits, wait a few seconds before rewarding them. Gradually increase how long they sit each time. At this point, you should still be standing right next to your dog.
Start with just a few seconds and slowly work up to 15 seconds. Keep training sessions short and spread practice over several days.
4. Add the stay command
Once your dog can sit for 15 seconds, start using the word “stay.” Tell them to sit, wait a few seconds, then say, “Stay” or “Wait.”
Keep practising this until they stay for the full 15 seconds.
5. Introduce the release command
Training your dog to stay until you ask them to move is critical. Once they can stay for 15 seconds, introduce a release word like “go,” “done,” or any other word you don’t use often.
You can also use a hand signal if you prefer.
6. Practise distance, duration, and distraction
Now it’s time to up the challenge. If you work on all of these at once, your dog may get confused. Instead, go one at a time:
- Distance: Up until now, you’ll be standing next to your dog when asking them to stay. Now, it’s time to add space. Start taking a small step away from your dog while they stay. If that’s too hard, gently rock back. Gradually increase how far you move away.
- Duration: By now, your dog should be staying for up to 15 seconds. Slowly increase the time your dog stays, adding a second or two each time. Some dogs can handle more than this, but make sure they’re confident before moving too fast.
- Distraction: Petersel says to practise in places with more distractions, like noisy rooms. Re-create distractions your dog might face and practise having them stay in these situations.
Once your dog is comfortable with distance, duration, and distractions, you can combine them. Try practising in a noisier place or staying longer before releasing your dog. Just remember to take things slowly and not make it too hard too fast!
What to Avoid When Teaching Your Dog to Stay
Teaching your dog to stay takes time and patience. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Training for too long
Rachel Rollins (ADPT), a dog trainer and founder of Rollins Family Dog Training, says the biggest mistake is having sessions that are too long. Keep sessions short and adjust based on your dog’s age and skill level.
“Puppies can’t handle remaining in stay for long [periods], but you can practise for short periods and increase the duration as the puppy gets older and has a history of practising the skill,” she says.
Repeating the command too much
Petersel points out that some pet parents repeat the “stay” command too often, like saying “stay, stay, stay” while walking away from their dog.
This repetition can confuse them. Instead, try to say it only once.
Moving too fast
Rollins advises breaking each new challenge into small steps. For example, start by stepping two steps away without your dog moving.
“For the next practice session, I might recommend the goal as being able to take five steps away from the dog—and so on,” she adds.
Seeing mistakes as huge problems
Petersel encourages using distractions or fidgeting as learning moments.
“Instead of seeing them as issues, look at them as opportunities,” he says.
How to Keep Your Dog’s “Stay” Command Strong
As your dog gets better at staying, you might think it’s okay to stop practising. But to ensure they follow this command when it matters, it’s important to keep up with short, daily sessions.
It’s easy to fit into your routine—ask your dog to stay while you grab something from another room, open a gate during a walk, or at the pet shop.
iStock/Zbynek Pospisil
When to Get Help From a Dog Trainer
If you and your dog aren’t making progress, it might be a good idea to talk to a trainer. They can use their experience to spot any problems and give you helpful advice.
Working with a trainer can also be beneficial as your dog’s training advances. For example, if you want to teach your dog more advanced skills, like staying while moving, Petersel suggests getting professional help.
When looking for a trainer, make sure they are certified by a respected organisation like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) or Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). You can find local trainers using online directories, or you can sign up for virtual sessions with trainers from anywhere in the world! Asking friends or your veterinarian for recommendations is also a great idea.
Certified trainers should be happy to share their qualifications and training methods. Always choose a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement and fear-free tactics.
Teaching a Dog to Stay FAQs
Can I teach my dog to stay without treats?
Yes, it depends on what motivates your dog. Most dogs love food, so treats are a great reward for training.
However, you can also use toys, ear scratches, or kind words as rewards instead of treats.
Do I need to teach my dog to sit first?
Yes, most trainers suggest teaching your dog to sit before you teach them to stay.
It’s easier for a dog to stay in one spot if they’re already sitting.
Can I teach an older dog to stay?
Absolutely! You can teach old dogs new tricks! You might need to adjust your approach to make it easier and more comfortable for them. For example, if your older dog has sore joints, ask them to stay on a comfy bed.
If they have trouble hearing, use hand signals to help them understand. If they have vision problems, lightly touch their shoulder when you ask them to stay to reinforce the command.
Do I have to use the word “stay?”
No, you can use any word you like! Some people prefer saying “wait.”
Just make sure everyone who trains your dog uses the same command and release words.
Are some breeds better at learning “stay” than others?
Yes, some dog breeds are smarter and learn faster. Border Collies, Poodles, and German Shepherds are known to pick up new commands quickly and perform them well. But—all dogs can learn how to stay! The important thing is to go at your dog’s pace and be patient. If you think your dog isn’t making progress, talk to a good trainer for help.
