How do you train a dog to stay near you?

Once you’ve taught your dog ‘sit’, ‘down’ and ‘stand’, and have introduced the release cue, you can extend any position into a ‘stay’. Take the edge off first with a walk or a different exercise that will use up some of their energy. Although it doesn’t matter where your dog is at the start of this training, it may be easier to start with your dog in front of you. Stand with your dog in front of you if you can and simply ask them to go into the easiest position. Extend the time that your dog is in the position for a few seconds before you give the reward. Make sure your dog gets the reward for the stay you are asking for, i.e. while they hold the position. You can incorporate your ‘leave’ and ‘watch’ cues to help if your dog is becoming distracted. A release cue is essential so your dog knows when it’s ok to move. Gradually build up the time your dog can stay in position. As you are doing this, repeat the position cue in a positive, calm way, reminding your dog what they are doing. Once your dog can stay in the position with you close to them, you can change things by starting to gently and gradually move away from your dog a little. Help them to stay by repeating your position cue as you do it. Go back and reward your dog in position before releasing. Build this distance just one step at a time. When you introduce some distance, go back to very short periods.

Ask your dog to lie down. Give your dog a hand signal - for example, a stop sign with the palm of your hand facing your dog. Say 'stay' and then give it to them. It's essential to reward your dog while they're still lying down, and not if they've got back up. Practise this many times in short but regular sessions, gradually increasing the length of time your dog stays in the down position. Next, you can start to increase the distance between you and your dog. Start by only taking one step back before giving them the reward, and then slowly and gradually increase the distance. Practise in lots of different places - around the house, in the garden, at a friend's house and in the local park. You can also teach your dog to stay in a 'sit' position. Follow the steps above, but start by asking your dog to sit. It's important to gradually extend the time you want your dog to stay. Practise regularly and increase the time by a few seconds each time.