A solid stay means the dog holds position until a clear release word—no chanting “stay-stay-stay.” Say it once, reinforce the stillness, then use the release so the cue stays crisp and reliable.

Why teach stay

• Safety around doors, guests, and during vet or grooming moments.

• Builds impulse control and calm focus that carries into everyday life.

• Clear communication: one cue to hold, one cue to release.

How to teach it

1. Prime the release: Pick a release word. At this house, the release is “Freedom,” and it works great because it’s not used in everyday chatter. Say the release, then invite movement so the word clearly ends the behavior. You can also end a rep with a reward marker (like “Yes”) before giving the release if that fits the training flow.
2. Add “stay” once: Show a flat palm and say “Stay” once. Wait 1–3 seconds, feed while the dog remains still, then say the release (“Freedom”) and let them get up.
3. Build duration first: Add seconds gradually. If the dog breaks, reset calmly and make it easier—don’t repeat the cue.
4. Then distance: Take one step back, return, feed in position, release. Add steps over sessions so the dog doesn’t anticipate being called out.
5. Add distractions last: Light movement, door touches, or a placed treat. Return to reward if the dog holds, and lower criteria if they don’t.

Quick tips

• Say it once; protect the cue by lowering difficulty instead of repeating.

• Reward in position so staying, not breaking, earns reinforcement.

• Keep sessions short and upbeat; practice in new rooms as it’s easy, then outside.

• Use the same release word every time. “Freedom” is great, but “Okay,” “Free,” or “Break” can work too.

• A reward marker (like “Yes”) can be used during the stay to reinforce, and the release (“Freedom”) ends the rep.

Common pitfalls

• Repeating “stay,” which dilutes the cue—reset and try an easier rep instead.

• Jumping to distance or distractions before duration—change one variable at a time.

• Calling the dog out for the treat; walk back to pay, then release.