University of Illinois Extension

Teaching Your Dog to Stay

Now that your dog knows how to sit, your next task is to make him stay when you walk away. Put your hand out flat toward the dog’s face and slowly say the word "STAY." If he does not move toward you, tell him "good" and reward him with a treat.  Take a few steps backward repeating "STAY." Move back to the dog while he's still staying and again tell him "good" and reward him with a treat.  Repeat this process, by adding a step each time you move away.  If your dog moves toward you at any time, well you have to start over.

When you no longer want your dog to stay, tell him "okay" and pet him or play with him so that he understands that you no longer want him to stay.