Teach your dog to stay with simple, reward‑based steps. Stay is a useful skill and can be used in lots of everyday situations.
Teaching your dog to stay is a calm, practical skill that helps them focus and stay settled when you need it most. Most dogs learn it over a few short sessions once they understand the steps, and you can start as soon as your puppy comes home. It’s helpful if you’re dog already knows how to sit and lie down on cue.
When a stay cue is useful and when to avoid it
A solid stay helps your dog pause safely while you manage everyday moments, like grabbing a towel for a muddy dog or helping children through the door. It’s also helpful when you need them to stay calm when you need to put them on a lead.
Avoid using a stay if it means leaving your dog alone in a public place or somewhere unsafe. A stay should always be supervised, and your dog should feel confident that you’ll return.
Step-by-step: How to teach your dog to stay
1. Set up for success
Start in a quiet space with your dog sitting or lying down. Stand close to them and reward them for staying still where they are for just a second. At this stage, you’re not moving away yet – you’re simply rewarding stillness. Continue to reward them for staying still by your side.
Once they can remain still beside you for a few seconds, move to the next step.
2. Introduce your voice cue and hand signal
Choose a clear cue like “stay” and pair it with a simple hand signal, such as a flat hand held in front of you. Say the cue once, give the signal, pause briefly, then praise and reward your dog quickly for holding their position.
3. Add a release word
Teach your dog when the stay ends by adding a release cue like “free” or “okay”. Say the release word, then encourage them to move. This helps them understand the difference between holding position and being allowed to get up.
To stop your dog from guessing when the release is coming, sometimes ask for another stay before you release them. Vary how many stays you ask for in a row so your dog learns to wait for the cue rather than releasing themselves.
4. Increase difficulty gradually
Begin adding small challenges one at a time. Start by taking a single step back, then return to your dog to reward them. Build this slowly – one foot back, one step away, two steps away. You don’t need to maintain eye contact; in fact, removing it early helps your dog learn to stay even when you’re not facing them.
Try shifting slightly to the left or right, or turning your back for a moment. Many dogs find it harder if you move in anything other than a straight line, so build this up slowly. When they can manage these small movements, you can work towards stepping slightly out of sight.
5. Return to reward
Always walk back to your dog before giving the reward. Leaning forward or reaching out from a distance can encourage them to stand up or move towards you which breaks the stay. Returning fully helps them understand that staying still is what earns the reward.
6. Add distractions
Start small – a quiet noise, a slow movement – and reward them for staying put. Go back to standing close to your dog when adding new distractions so you can set them up for success.
7. Change location
Practise in different rooms, then in the garden, then in quiet outdoor spaces. Each new place adds natural distractions, so go back a step when needed and build up again.
Keep safety in mind by only practising stays in places where it’s safe for your dog to move freely.
Mistakes are part of the learning process
If your dog breaks the stay, it’s not a failure – it simply means the step was too difficult, the distraction too strong or your dog is getting tired.
Gently guide them back into the starting position using a lure if needed, ask for a sit or down, and try again with an easier version of the exercise. Only move on when they’re succeeding consistently.
Troubleshooting common challenges
If your dog struggles with distance
Break the steps down further. Try shifting your weight back before taking a full step or take half‑steps. Return to your dog and reward often.
If your dog finds you turning away difficult
If your dog finds you turning away difficult, break it down into smaller steps. Start by briefly looking away while keeping your body still, as some dogs struggle when eye contact changes. Then try turning your shoulders slightly, followed by half‑turns, and eventually a full turn. Build this up slowly so your dog learns that your movement doesn’t mean the stay is over.
If your dog is easily distracted
Busy, movement‑sensitive or excitable dogs may find distractions challenging. Try changing to another quiet location, such as moving from the garden to a calm corner of a car park. It can also help to let your dog burn off a little energy before you practise.
Think about whether the position you’re asking your dog to stay in. Lying down can make some dogs feel vulnerable. Try practising a sit‑stay or stand‑stay instead.
If your dog won’t stay outside
Outdoor spaces are full of smells and sounds. Begin in a quiet corner and reduce the difficulty – stand close, shorten the stay and reward often.
If your dog’s breed finds staying still difficult
Some breeds – like cocker spaniels or poodles – naturally find it harder to stay in one place. Busy, energetic or movement‑sensitive dogs may struggle to hold a stay when there’s something interesting happening around them. Others, like scent‑driven breeds, may find it challenging to ignore smells or sounds.
Build movement into the session by giving them breaks to play move about between tries.
Choose the right time to train for your dog. Avoid practising when your dog is full of energy or when they’re overtired. Pick a moment when they’re calm and able to focus.
Start with very small steps and reward often. Building the stay slowly helps these dogs stay confident and engaged.
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Battersea’s Canine Animal Behaviour Team are experts in dog behaviour and welfare. The team is made up of trained professionals with decades of combined experience. They specialise in assessing, rehabilitating and supporting dogs using positive, evidence-based methods.
Their trusted guidance helps owners understand behavioural challenges and build stronger relationships. They make sure Battersea remains a leading voice in canine behaviour and welfare. Read more about the team
