The stay can be a difficult command for your dog to grasp, as it involves you leaving them alone, and them staying in one set location until instructed otherwise. For a young dog that is used to being with you, or simply used to being able to roam at will, the command to stay in one spot, is one that he/she may not even want to heed. Keeping with this thought, you as the owner want to enable your dog to make the association between behavior and consequence. (Operant Conditioning) Steps To Teaching The Stay Best taught while leashed

a. Place your dog in a sit, or down.

b. Stand in front of your dog and place your hand out with palm facing your dog. (Stop sign.) (At same time tell your dog to stay.)

c. The dog will probably try to sniff your hand, this is ok.

d. If your dog stays sitting or lying, toss him/her treats, verbally praise. If you want, you can have a by-stander holding the dog