2torial #0933:
Learn2 Train Your Dog to Sit and Stay (continued)

Add distractions and distance

Now it's time to add some distractions to the equation. While keeping eye contact with your sitting and staying hound, hop around on one foot or talk to someone else--or go to a park where there are many other dogs for a practice session. If the dog moves out of the stay position, which it most likely will at first, go retrieve it physically, and start the process again at a lower level of distraction. Repeat this lesson during several sessions.

When you think the dog has mastered the "stay" command in the presence of multiple distractions, you can begin to distance yourself (but stay in sight). Eventually, you can try breaking eye contact. Tell the dog to stay, and then engage yourself in an activity that requires you not to look at the dog. Watch from the corner of your eye, and if you see the dog breaking the stay, quickly say "No!" It might return to the stay position right away. Otherwise, physically lead it back to the spot and start again.

When your dog remains in the stay position without eye contact, it's time for the final leap--moving out of the dog's sight altogether. The best place to try this first is your house, where you can go into another room. Tell the dog to sit and stay in one room, and then walk into another. Wait 10 seconds, then return. As before, praise and reinforce with a treat if it holds the position.

If your dog has no problem, increase the amount of time you're out of the room to 1 minute, then 10, and so on. Only after many successful practice sessions should you move this command to a different environment.

Once you've patiently taught your dog the sit and stay commands, you'll find you have much more control over your pet. Because you'll be able to take your dog with you to public places, you'll be able to spend more time together and become even better friends than before.

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