The miniature poodle is a highly intelligent dog that is willing to please its owner. Poodles excel at obedience and agility due to their ability to learn quickly. They respond well to both treats and praise. Teaching your miniature poodle to stay is a very important basic obedience command that will allow your dog to live easily with its human companions. Obedience training is a wonderful way to bond with your miniature poodle and provide much needed exercise for her.
Things You'll Need
- Leather or cotton 6-foot leash
- Collar
- 10-foot cotton long line
- Treats
Instructions
Teach your miniature poodle to successfully sit before trying to teach your dog the stay command. Your dog should know the basics of sitting before you can truly undertake training the dog to stay.
Stand beside your dog holding the leash with your dog in the heel position. Your dog should be sitting. Step directly in front of your dog holding the leash. Say, "stay" as you move in front of your dog. If he tries to stand up, gently push his bottom to the ground and say, "stay." Stand in front of your dog for a minute and then walk around your dog to the heel position. Offer ample amounts of praise and a treat if your dog continues to sit there. Repeat this step over the course of several days until he sits quietly each time you step in front and return to the heel position.
Give your dog the "stay" command, but this time walk away from her holding the leash and walk to the end of the leash. Stand at the end of the 6-foot leash. If your miniature poodle tries to get up and follow say, "no, stay." Return her to the sit position and stand again at the end of the leash. After a minute, return to the heel position by your miniature poodle and offer ample praise with a treat. Repeat this obedience exercise over the course of a week and each time stand at the end of the leash for longer periods of time.
Attach the 10-foot long line to your dog's collar. Stand in the heel position and give him the "stay" command. Walk to the end of the 10-foot long line. Turn and face your dog and wait a minute or two and then return to the heel position. Offer praise and a treat. Repeat this exercise over the course of a week until your dog has fully mastered it.
Choose a controlled area such as a large building or fenced-in yard. This time practice the stay command without a leash or a long line. The miniature poodle is a fast learner and soon she will understand that she must stay even when a leash is not attached. Practice the stay command without a leash for at least two weeks.
Give the stay command and walk away from the miniature poodle, but this time leave your dog's sight. Make sure your dog is in a confined area that he cannot escape from. A dog who has mastered the stay command will not follow you even if you leave his sight. Have another person help with this exercise and remain by your dog. If your dog should move, have the other person tell him to "stay." A miniature poodle should learn that he is expected to stay even if he can no longer see you. Return to your poodle's view and return to the heel position. Offer ample praise and a treat.