Stay Basics (Patreon)

In this video I'm at the beginning of introducing the stay on place after building up some impulse control with our baby games, as well as value for the mat. We use the platform to help the dog maintain position more easily due to the choice point: it's move effort to get off the platform/inch forward on the platform than it is on the ground. It helps them maintain position more easily making the stay more successful from the beginning. We can fade out the platform as they get a better understanding of stay.

The steps to the first part of the stay are:

1) can I bend down and feed without the dog getting up (this should already be established based on training the down with the pause already in it - down, feed, feed, feed, release)

2) can I move my feet (if I can't move my feet in place, I certainly can't walk away)

3) one step back

4) two steps back

5) can i step to the side and back

Note that I am a rubber band, I move backwards and immediately step forward. I am creating a pattern for the dog - "oh, she leaves, but she comes right back so I should wait!". I don't go out, and also stay out there for 10 seconds - we work on one thing (distance), moving away and moving back.

I do not need to wait for him to finish eating to begin my next rep.

If I hadn't placed the platform against the wall, i would move in both directions, but, I can add that to subsequent sessions.

Note how I feed between his paws on the mat. I want him thinking downward thoughts and this prevents the dog from prematurely reaching up/getting up to get the food from your hand. Over time you'll see that he will anticipate the food on the mat and look down as I approach, which is the goal of feeding in the "between the paws" position.

Happy Training!