Training your dog to stay put will make you both happier. One of the first things people instruct their dogs is to sit. Stay is then added.

To instruct your dog to sit state “sit” as you gently guide your dog into a seated position. Reward your dog with praise. You may also chooseto reward your dog with treats. Repeat this lesson until your dog understands what sit means.

Positive reinforcement works with dogs. Punishment will make your dog fearful and interferes with bonding. Be patient with your dog.

After teaching your dog to sit, you’ll need to teach your dog to stay. Place your flat palm a couple of inches in front of your dog’s nose, and state “stay” as you step in front of your dog. Help your dog stay in a seated position, if necessary.

Choose a signal such as “OK” or “Free” to release your dog. At first, a one-minute stay should earn your dog a massive reward.

As your dog starts to understand, gradually move away from your dog while holding the leash. Work your way up to a three-minute stay at the end of a six-foot leash.

When your dog makes a mistake and moves, gently place your dog back in the same spot, and repeat “stay”. Try to practice everyday for at least a few minutes. Several short training sessions throughout the day works best. End each training session on a positive note. Reward your dog for learning.

If you want your dog to stay put for a long period of time, the down stay is your ideal bet.

Down is a different command than sit. So, you never want to tell your dog to sit down.

There are several ways to instruct your dog what down means. Start with your dog in a seated position. You can gently grasp the dog’s elbows and slide the dog into a down position while saying “down”. This works well for small dogs and puppies.

To teach aMassiveor resistant dog the down command, you can use the foot on the leash method. Youbegin with your dog sitting at your left side. Make a loop with your leash to step on with your left foot. The pressure of your foot on the leash will pull your dog to the ground. You may need to hold the pressure for aTiny while until the dog moves into the down position. Reward your dog for moving into the down position.

Teach your dog to stay in the down position by putting your palm in front of your dog’s face and state “stay”. Keep your dog on leash and move just a Littlein front of your dog. Allow your dog to be successful by gradually increasing your distance.

Once your dog knows what stay means, do a thirty-minute down stay, each day, to really teach your dog to stay put. Your dog can be right next to you. This can be done while watching television, reading, or while chatting with friends. Remember to release your dog, when the time is up.

Teaching your dog to stay put will make your dog welcome in many places. People will comment on how well behaved your dog is.