Step-By-Step Instructions For Obedience Training Your Dog Yourself
Stay
Have your dog sit next to you in the heel position. Once he is not excited and
is settled down into a relaxed sit, "push" your open hand directly
in front of his face as you say stay, and take two or three steps to
get right in front of him. Just the action of a hand seeming like it was going
to hit him in the face (do not actually make contact!) will shock him
and almost push his butt farther onto the ground long enough for him to
actually stay put. Only make him stay for a few seconds - not giving him time
to move, and say good boy!. He did it. Each time you do this, you can
increase the time a little, but don't yet increase your distance. And, don't
look him in the eye because it will make him want to leave the position.
After your dog is able to stay nicely for a minute or two, you will start to
increase the distance. Stand a little farther back, next time going farther
back, and farther still the next time.
Stay will become old hat to him, boring, and easy as pie. Then, put your hand
in front of his face while saying stay and walk all the way around him.
This one may cause him to try to get up and go with you. If he attempts to get
up, say no, sit, and push your hand in front of him again while
saying stay. After making him stay for just a short time, say good
boy!
Walking around him while he is in the stay position does several things. It
definitely makes him keep an eye on you - and you do want him to pay attention
to you during the entire training session. Also, this lets him know that he is
safe in the stay position - that he doesn't have to be afraid of someone that
comes up from the front, side or back of him.
Now, the down-stay. Have your dog sit on your left. Say down. Then, say
stay! as you push your hand in front of his face. While still holding
the leash, take a few steps around to stand in front of him. Don't
forget to end with good boy!. Continue this as you did the sit-stay,
getting farther and farther away. After he is doing really good at staying in
the down position, walk around him while he is lying still. Later, you will
even be able to walk over him, showing him he has nothing to fear in this
vulnerable position.
Eventually, you will be able to be any distance from him and he will stay for
as long as you need him to.
Now that this session is over, you can give him a healthy treat. |
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