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Labrador Retriever Training: The Stay Command

2016/5/4 10:23:00

Even if labrador retrievers are well-known for their intelligence, labrador retriever training is not the easiest task a dog owner may encounter. While it is true that many of them can pick up commands in a few minutes, some can be a challenge to train especially if their mind is focused on something other than training. An untrained labrador can also get out of hand at times and if it happens, it is more likely to create various problems. To prevent any untoward incidents from happening, it helps that your pet is reliably trained with basic commands like stay.

A dog wouldn't be a completely well-mannered one if he does not know how to respond to one of the most important commands a dog needs to learn - the stay command. Training your dog to master this command is more than just training him to please everyone around. It is more on keeping him safe especially if you see an imminent danger. Let's say you take your pet out for a walk and his attention was caught by a bunch of kids playing across the street. Before things get out of control, you better say that magic word before he finally rushes to cross the busy street.

For successful labrador retriever training of stay command, get your dog to master the sit command first. If your pet responds well to sit command, training the stay command is not a problem at all. Choose a quiet room away from distraction and command him to sit in front of you. With palm facing out, place your hand near his face as if to signal stop. Instead of saying "stop", give the command "stay". Your dog may not understand it during first try but if he hasn't moved from his position, let him know that you like what he is doing by giving praise and treats. Repeat the process but gradually increase the time of waiting before giving him his rewards.

At some point of your labrador retriever training, your dog may want to attempt to move or run around. Don't give him rewards. Soon enough, he will realize that he is only given good things every time he stays on command. Doing the process repetitively will make him associate the word "stay" with the behavior hence will eventually learn to follow the command even without rewards.

Once he has mastered the command with you on one position, you can start increasing the distance between the two of you. Go back to him to give rewards every time he stays in the position as the distance between the two of you increases.

Start teaching this lesson outdoors once he is reliably trained with the command indoors.

Kate Truman loves to write various articles including labrador retriever training. Learn how to train your dog properly by visiting her site specially dedicated to labrador retriever training.