Mastering the "STAY" command

Yes! Good Stay!

Training Plan for "Stay"

Materials Needed:

• High-value treats (small, soft, and tasty treats like meaty treats or cheese)

• A clicker (optional, but useful for marking the correct behavior)

• A leash and collar (if needed for additional control)

• A quiet, distraction-free space to start training (indoor or backyard)

• Patience and consistency

Lesson 1: Introduction to “Stay” (Short Duration)

Goal: To teach your Doodle to remain in place for a few seconds when asked, beginning with a simple sit-stay or down-stay.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Get Your Doodle’s Attention:

   • Begin by having your dog in a quiet environment where they can focus on you. Have your Doodle either in a sitting or lying down position.

2. Give the “Stay” Command:

   • Once your Doodle is in the sitting or lying down position, clearly say the command “Stay” in a calm, steady tone.

   • Hold your hand out in front of you, palm facing your dog. This serves as a visual cue to go along with the verbal cue.

3. Reward for Immediate Compliance:

   • Start with a very short duration, around 1-2 seconds. If your Doodle remains in place, immediately reward them with a treat and praise.

   • If they move, gently guide them back into position without punishment, and immediately reward them for staying still again.

4. Gradually Increase Duration:

   • As your Doodle begins to understand the concept, increase the length of time they must stay in position before rewarding them. Aim for an additional 2-3 seconds at first, gradually working up to 10-15 seconds in a single session.

   • Use the clicker if you have one—clicking at the moment your Doodle successfully holds the position.

5. Practice in Short Sessions:

   • Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) and positive to avoid overwhelming your Doodle. Multiple brief sessions a day are more effective than one long session.

6. Release Command:

   • It’s important to teach your dog when the stay is over. Use a release word like “Okay!” or “Free!” when you want your dog to break the stay. This helps them understand that they can move when they hear the release word.

   • Once they break the position on your release, reward them generously with praise or treats.

Lesson 2: Increasing Duration and Distance

Goal: To extend the duration of the stay and begin moving away from your Doodle, adding distance to the command.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Start with Duration First:

   • Before adding distance, first ensure your Doodle is reliably staying for longer periods (15–30 seconds). Gradually increase the time before rewarding. If they break the stay, gently reset them to the position and try again.

2. Add Movement (Increase Distance):

   • Once your Doodle can stay for 15–30 seconds, start adding movement to the training. While they are holding the stay, take one or two steps back. Then return to reward them.

   • Tip: When you move away, do so in small increments, gradually increasing the distance between you and your dog.

3. Reward for Holding the Stay:

   • Continue rewarding your dog for holding the stay in place as you increase the distance. If they move, calmly reset them to their position and try again from a closer distance, rewarding them immediately for staying.

   • Increase the distance slowly. If your Doodle gets up, it means the distance is too far for them at that stage.

4. Use the Release Command:

   • Practice using the release command as you increase the duration and distance. Always release them once they have held the position for the desired time.

Lesson 3: Adding Distractions and Real-Life Situations

Goal: To train your Doodle to stay in various environments and in the presence of distractions.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Introduce Distractions:

   • Once your Doodle is consistently holding the stay for a longer duration and with increased distance, start adding distractions. This could include moving around them, having other people or dogs nearby, or using toys or food in the area.

   • Start small with minimal distractions and gradually work up to more complex environments, like your front yard or a park.

2. Practice in Different Locations:

   • Train in a variety of environments (living room, kitchen, yard, park, etc.) to help your Doodle generalize the behavior. The goal is for your dog to understand that “stay” applies no matter where they are.

3. Increase the Difficulty:

   • Once your Doodle is reliably staying while you move around or while distractions are present, gradually increase the level of difficulty. This could involve longer durations, larger distances, or more distractions.

4. Stay Calm and Consistent:

   • If your Doodle breaks the stay, avoid becoming frustrated. Gently guide them back into position and try again, rewarding them when they stay in place. Remain calm and use a neutral tone to help them understand what is expected without feeling stressed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Dog Breaks the Stay Early:

   • If your Doodle breaks the stay after a short duration, reduce the difficulty. Go back to a shorter time or closer distance until they are successful again.

   • Be patient and reward them before they break the stay as they improve.

2. Dog Doesn’t Understand "Stay":

   • If your dog is struggling to understand the command, go back to a simpler version (such as starting with a "sit-stay" instead of a "down-stay") and gradually build up from there.

   • Use higher-value treats and praise to keep your Doodle motivated.

3. Dog Gets Distracted Easily:

   • If distractions make it hard for your dog to stay in place, practice in a low-distraction environment first. Gradually increase the level of distraction as they succeed.

   • Use your dog’s favorite toys or treats as motivation and reward them generously for staying.

Conclusion: The Importance of "Stay" for Doodles

Teaching your Doodle to “Stay” is an essential skill that provides control, enhances safety, and strengthens your relationship with your dog. It ensures that your Doodle will remain calm and in place when needed, allowing you to manage potentially stressful situations like meeting strangers, crossing the street, or waiting for food. Furthermore, it forms the foundation for more advanced training, such as “leave it” or “go to your place.”

A reliable “stay” command promotes focus, good manners, and self-control, which are crucial in managing the behavior of energetic and intelligent Doodle breeds. With consistent training, patience, and positive reinforcement, your Doodle will master the “stay” command, improving their ability to listen