As you enforce the ‘sit’ command, the dog will learn that when it wants something, or you are busy, sitting and waiting is the right thing to do. The goal is for the dog to learn that when you give the ‘sit’ command, it is time to pay attention or calm down. Stand up right in front of your dog. You want to exude calm but assertive energy. Get your dog’s attention, looking it right in the eye. As you say “[Dog’s name], sit,” hold a treat above the dog’s nose. In order to see the treat, the dog will need its head up, which will make its bum go down. If it doesn’t go down try (GENTLY) pushing your dogs tush down and then say “sit”
A pup has an instinctive understanding of how to stay when being threatened and the mother uses a very distinct “stay” command as well. This instinctive and early training should help you to train your dog to follow your command to stay. [6] X Research source
If she gets up, say “Oops!” and start again but if your dog thinks that is a punishment give it a treat and try again. Begin with “sit” and proceed again to “stay”. Repeat this until your dog stays in place for at least ten seconds and then praise it. This means you may need to repeat this whole sequence several times.
You should also have a certain command to release your dog from the stay such as “okay!” or “come” or simply say your dogs name. This way, your dog knows when it can move.
Like training other commands, if the dog does not follow the command or does something different, start again from the beginning. Put the dog in sitting position once again and start from the beginning.
Your dog will probably naturally want to jog at a canter and sniff and veer off in many directions. You need to show him or her that there is a time for exploring and a time not to.
Always use the left side to avoid confusing the dog.
If things get a little to out of control, stop and place the dog in a sit position at your side once again, praise him or her, and start over. You should always adjust the dog to your position, not adjust your position to his. (if you adjust your position to his, he will eventually have his human well trained to obey him) You should get your dog used to not feeling any tension on the lead unless you are making a correction, or the dog will get into the habit of pulling constantly. Make your corrections by voice and gesture and only use the lead if it isn’t listening.
The length of time to learn is individual so don’t be in a hurry to move things along.
Alternate stepping off with the left and using the heel command and then stepping off with the right and using the stay command. After a while you can advance to randomly stepping of with either foot and reinforcing the appropriate “heel” or “stay” behavior. When you and your dog has learned this well, you will be able to function smoothly as a team no matter where you are.
