How to Teach Your Labrador to Stay

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Collar
Leash
Dog treats

Sit Stay

Step 1:
Make sure the collar and leash are properly connected, then position yourself to the side of your dog. By choosing the right or left side and maintaining that stance each time while training, your dog gains the knowledge of his place by your side.
Step 2:
Place your dog into the "Sit" position. If your dog is still learning the "Sit" command, guide her to sit by pressing firmly on her lower back at the base of the tail.
Step 3:
Use the hand closest to your dog. Move it in front of your dog's nose--keeping your hand open--and give the "Stay" command. This way, your dog can distinguish that an open hand means the same as the "Stay" command.
Step 4:
Tell your dog to "Stay" as you are turning to face him. This enforces the "Sit Stay" command and helps him to associate that word with the action.
Step 5:
Praise your dog for completing the "Sit Stay" command. Give your lab a treat to reward her for a successful session.

Down Stay

Step 1:
Position yourself to the side of your lab and have him sit.
Step 2:
Move in front of your dog so you are face-to-face and use a treat to place her into the lying position. Say "Down" while lowering a treat toward the ground.
Step 3:
Walk away from your dog and continue to state "Stay." Maintain eye contact with your dog to assure him he is doing the right thing.
Step 4:
Praise your dog and return to her. Reward her for following your commands.

Tips & Warnings

If your Labrador attempts to stand during your "Sit Stay" training, return to him and place him back into the "Sit" position to begin training again.
Continue working with your Labrador, moving further from her each day to teach distance.

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