I save the "stay" lesson for last because, over the years, I have found it is easier to teach it after a dog has successfully learned to walk on leash well, and knows how to sit and lay down on cue. Up to now you and your dog have done everything basically together as a team. This lesson involves you walking away, and your dog staying put, which may cause you both a little anxiety. Trusting each other is the key ingredient to making this lesson easy. That is why I have encouraged you to spend more time with your dog. The more time you spend, the better you get to know each other. This forms a bond, and with bonding comes trust.

By now, you and your dog should know pretty much about each other. You know how your dog behaves in certain situations, his likes/dislikes, and what works best with him for learning new things. Your dog knows you are gentle, patient, usually have a couple of yummy treats tucked in your pocket, and can give the world's greatest hugs and praises. Most of all, your dog knows you are his pack leader, he adores you, trusts you and he wants to please you.

All those things in consideration, before starting the "stay" lesson, take your dog on a brisk little walk to tone down his energy and set the mood.

After the exercise, find a place that is relatively quite with few distractions for the first try. Start by giving your dog the "down" command. When he lays down, keep the end of the leash in your hand, so it is slack, then turn and face your dog. Look him in the eyes, hold your other hand up in front of his face.... like in a halt signal.. say the command "stay", and take a step backwards. If your dog tries to get up and follow you, stop him with a sharp "no". Put him back in place and start over. If your dog stayed put when you took a step back, then give him some praise, and do it over again. After a few times of one step, try taking two steps, then three, and so on. Keep the time in mind, and do not make the lesson so long it is boring..... fifteen to twenty minutes is good. If you are able to get only two steps away and your dog stays put, you have done well for the first lesson. Try moving a little farther each day. Save your treats until you can drop the leash, turn your back and walk a significant distance with your dog remaining in the "stay" position. To release from the stay position, I like to use the word "up"....... which I think I forgot to mention in the last lesson, is also the word I use to release from the "down" position also. Geez, I am getting absent minded in my old age. I hope I haven't left a bunch of you out there with dogs that are lying down........ with no way to get up......LOL. (This is me taking a stab at being humorous ... so please laugh with me, and not at me.....LOL.)

A good way to enhance your dog's learning of this lesson, is to give him the "stay" command while you are cleaning house or working in the yard. Go about your chores as usual, even going into another room, or out of his sight somewhere outside. Don't leave for too long... five minutes or so to begin with, and when you get back to where you left your dog, if he didn't move, give him the "up" command, then a treat and lots of praise.

Now you are multi-tasking..... getting your work done, training your dog, and spending time with him.

Teaching your dog to stay is just one more little trinket in your bag of tricks to show off to your friends what a marvelously smart, and wonderful dog you have. It also makes your dog a welcome guest just about anywhere you want to take him. A well trained, well mannered dog is always an eye catcher, and a good conversation starter. People are curious, and will often stop you to ask questions about how they can train their dog to be as well behaved as yours. You just went from simple multi-tasking to super multi-tasking, by adding entertainment, socialization, and teaching to your growing list of skills. Now..... your dog can show YOU off to HIS friends..... what a wonderful, wise and talented pack leader he has. (I am trying hard with this humor guys.... LOL.)

Well...... this is usually when I tell everyone, for next week to bring their favorite dish, their dog's favorite treats, and some music... some good songs with something about dogs in them. I also give some homework, for everyone to teach their dog a special trick or talent to show for the last week. Anything.... catching a freebie, fetching, dancing, balancing a ball on their nose.... whatever they want.... just be creative and have fun. We have a little party too, and a graduation, with trophies for "Most Obedient". "Best Personality", "Most Improved", and several other categories. It is a lot of fun, and a nice time to just visit, share stories and enjoy the company of new found friends with common goals and a love for their dogs.

For next week here, I will put all our lessons together in an article, adding a little extra here and there where I feel I was not clear on something. If you have a training question or comment that you want to share, please email it to me, and I will address it here at TakeCareOfYourDog.com.

Don't be a stranger afterward, stop by here often and check things out. Our wonderful web site host, Jeanette, is cooking up some great ideas on new topics with very helpful and useful information about our dogs and how we can continue to keep them happy, healthy and with us for many years.

God Bless you all, have a glorious day in His Amazing Grace, and spend some extra time with your dog today...... no excuses.... now you know how to multi-task.

Thank you for your interest in these lessons.

Rhonda Erickson (easttxnurse320@aol.com_ (mailto:easttxnurse320@aol.com).