Obedience & Manners

Teaching Your Dog Stay

Training your dog to stay in a designated spot can be extremely helpful in various scenarios, such as during mealtimes or when guests arrive. This skill allows your dog to settle down when needed, improving their behavior and your peace of mind.

Teaching Your Dog to Go to a Spot

Start by showing your dog their assigned spot, like a bed or mat, and make it an inviting place for them. Use small, enticing treats to motivate them during the training process, ensuring that the treats are particularly appealing to them.

Step One: Follow the Treat

Introduce the Spot

Call your dog over and stand a short distance from the mat. Say the cue "Go to your spot," and entice them by showing a treat and tossing it onto the mat.

Step Two: Follow the Hand

Use a Hand Signal

After practicing with treats, use an empty hand to signal where the mat is while your other hand hides a treat behind your back, encouraging your dog to head toward the mat.

Step Three: Distance Training

Increase Distance

Gradually increase the space between you and the mat. Start by standing two feet away and progressively increase as your dog becomes comfortable and responsive.

Teaching Your Dog to Stay

Building Duration

Encourage your dog to stay on the mat by increasing the duration gradually. Begin by asking them to stay for shorter periods, then slowly extend these intervals while offering treats as rewards.

Adding Distance

After your dog can stay for a longer time, focus on stepping away while they stay in place. Gradually increase the distance as they adapt to this challenge.

Combining Time and Distance

Practice getting your dog to stay for extended durations while you're further away, integrating both elements to solidify their understanding of staying put.

Adding Distractions

Introduce various distractions while your dog stays in their spot to help them focus even in busy environments. Start with mild distractions and gradually increase the complexity.

Training Tips

Ensure your dog is motivated by training when they're calm and slightly hungry. Use a clear release word to signify the end of the stay. If your dog misunderstands, calmly guide them back without offering a treat immediately.

Every Dog Is Different

The right approach depends on why your dog does this — and that varies by temperament, history, and environment. The Synchrony coach can tailor these principles to your dog's specific behavior profile.

Based on ASPCA Virtual Pet Behaviorist content, adapted for the Data Driven Dogs training framework.