How to Train Your Dog to Come & Stay

Two of the most important obedience lessons a pet owner will ever teach their dog are the come and stay commands. These simple training commands can save a dog in a dangerous situation. They will also help both dog and human happily co-exist and live in harmony. It is important that every dog knows basic obedience commands such as stay and come in order to take your dog on trips, to public events and parks easily.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton or leather six foot leash
  • 10-foot cotton rope
  • Collar
  • Dog treats

Instructions

  1. Stay Command

    • 1

      Command your dog to sit. If he does not sit immediately push his bottom to the floor while pulling upward on the leash. Once the dog is sitting comfortably offer praise in a calm voice and give him a tasty treat. Repeat until the dog sits on command.

    • 2

      Command the dog to stay and step in front of the dog, holding the leash. Do not move far away from the dog. If the dog tries to get up, push her bottom back to the ground and say, "Sit, stay". Stand calmly for only a minute and then walk around your dog and back into the heel position. At the end of of the stay exercise, pick a release word that lets your dog know it can move around and no longer needs to stay. Offer ample praise and a treat. Repeat this exercise numerous times until the dog obeys the stay command.

    • 3

      Move further and further away from the dog when he is in the stay position. Move to the end of the 6-foot leash and stand there. f the dog starts to make a move say, "No, stay." If the dog comes to you, return him to his spot and command him to stay again. Every time the dog gets up and comes toward, you return it to the original spot and repeat the stay command. Do this until the dog finally stays in its spot.

    • 4

      Drop the leash and move further away from your dog when it fully understands the stay command and does not move when you stand at the end of the leash. You will soon be able to increase the distance during the stay command. A well-trained dog will stay even when it can longer see you. Every time you return to your dog after the stay command has been successfully utilized say, "okay" and offer a treat with praise.

    Come Command

    • 5

      Command the dog to stay, and walk to the end of the 6-foot long leash. Wait a few moments and then gently pull on the leash while saying, "come." Praise the dog when she gets up and trots toward you . Once the dog reaches you, offer more praise and a treat. Try this numerous times until the dog has an understanding of what is expected.

    • 6

      Drop the leash and walk further away from the dog. Call the dog to you saying, "come." When the dog runs to you give the dog a treat and lots of praise.

    • 7

      Walk further and further away and say, "come" from varying distances. Keep practicing until the dog learns the command.