Hey there, fellow dog lovers! Are you tired of your furry friend ignoring your pleas to stay still? Do you dream of having a dog that listens to you, even when there’s a squirrel outside? Well, buckle up, folks, because I’m about to spill the secrets to getting a rock-solid stay from your pup.
Watch the Video: Mastering the Stay Command
The Magic of Release Words
Before we dive into the dos and don’ts, let me tell you about the magic of release words. You see, I’ve got a special word that I use to let my dogs know they can finally stop posing like statues and go do their thing. It’s like a secret password that says, “Hey, kiddo, you’re free to go!” And, trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s the magic word?” Well, I’ll give you some ideas. You can choose from a variety of fun words like “Go play,” “Free,” “Break,” “Release,” “At ease,” “Hippo” (yes, really), “Get lost,” “Scram,” or “Yeehaw!” Just remember, the key is to be consistent and not too weird. You don’t want to be that person shouting “Hippo!” in the dog park. Have fun with it!
The 3 Dos and 3 Don’ts of Dog Training
Now, onto the good stuff! Here are the simple dos and don’ts to get your dog to stay like a pro. It’s not as complicated as you might think.
Don’t 1: Avoid Using the Word “Ok”
Let’s face it, we humans use the word “ok” way too much. It’s like our default response to every question. “Do you want coffee?” “Ok.” “Do you want to go for a walk?” “Ok.” You get the idea. So, when you choose a release word, make sure it’s not something you use in everyday conversations. You don’t want your dog to think you’re saying “ok” to everything.
Don’t 2: Don’t Hit the Button with Your Release Word
This one’s a biggie. When you use your release word, don’t expect your dog to perform a trick or do something specific. Just let them know they’re free to go. If you tell your dog “go play” and they look at you, that’s cool. If they do a backflip on the way to the door, that’s also cool (but maybe a little excessive).
Don’t 3: Don’t Use the Word “Stay”
This one might seem counterintuitive, but trust me on this one. The word “stay” is implied with every command, so you don’t need to use it. Plus, it’s one less word you and your dog will have to worry about. Keep it simple, folks!
Do 1: Pat Your Dog on the Head When You Release Them
Here’s the thing: you don’t want your dog to associate the release word with just anything. So, when you say the magic word, pat your dog on the head too. This way, you’re building in two safety measures before your dog can leave. It’s like a double-check system. You’re saying, “Hey, kiddo, you’re free to go, and I’m giving you a little head pat to confirm it.”
Do 2: Give Commands from a Distance
This one’s a game-changer. You can give your dog commands from a distance, like “come” or “let’s go.” Just don’t release them from a distance. That’s like giving them a free pass to ignore you. You want to maintain control and make sure they’re listening to you.
Do 3: Give Rewards While Your Dog is on Place and at a Distance
Here’s the thing: if you keep the same pattern every time, your dog will just go through the motions. You want to keep them thinking. So, switch up the patterns and give rewards while they’re on place and at a distance. This way, you’re keeping them engaged and making them work for that treat.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! Follow these simple dos and don’ts, and you’ll be well on your way to having a dog that listens to you like a pro. Remember, consistency is key, and a little bit of humor never hurts. So, go ahead, choose a release word, and start practicing those stays. Who knows, you might just have a dog that’s more obedient than Ryan Reynolds’s humor is witty (and that’s saying something).
Final Tips
Be consistent with your release word and commands.
Don’t use the word “ok” as your release word.
Keep it simple and avoid using the word “stay.”
Pat your dog on the head when you release them.
Give commands from a distance and switch up the patterns.
And, most importantly, have fun with it!
Don’t use the word “ok” as your release word.
Keep it simple and avoid using the word “stay.”
Pat your dog on the head when you release them.
Give commands from a distance and switch up the patterns.
And, most importantly, have fun with it!
