One of the most helpful things to teach a dog is “stay” and have it be solid and dependable.
A. Helps when working stock
B. Sometimes you just need the dog to stay period.
C. Or if some danger is present and you need to stop your dog from getting hurt…Stay is very important.
D. It is a calming assurance for the dog…To know and understand what you want from the dog… and the dog understands and responds to your confidence.
I start teaching my dogs to stay from the time they are a couple of weeks old.
What I do is when there is no way they can follow or have a choice to do anything but stay. I say “Stay be Good Dog”
I back it up for months and actually the rest of their lives… When I leave I say ” stay be a good dog” … When I leave them in a crate for any reason…”Stay be good dog” …if in a kennel or where ever I want them to stay…I say “Stay be a Good Dog! ”
Today I had to reinforce this command to my puppy. She wanted to follow me down the road in my car. (this is typical for her age)
I calmly took her back to where I wanted her to stay. (I did not get mad) I told her twice then I said “Stay” firmly and I stomped my foot to emphasize I meant what I said (I used indirect pressure) . She went and laid down and did not try to follow any more. Since I have been careful with my words and tone she knew I meant what I said and we did not have a fuss …I did not have to get loud…
I give 2 chances and then I make sure my dogs know I mean what I am saying the 3rd time.
A serious Stay!