Labrador Retriever Training: Teaching The Stay Command

Even though labrador retrievers are well-known for their intelligence, labrador retriever training isn't the simplest task a dog owner may encounter. While it's true that several of them can pick up commands in a short while, some can be a challenge to train especially if their mind is focused on something apart from training. An untrained labrador can also get out of hand at times and if it takes place, it's more likely to create several problems. To avoid any unfavorable incidents from taking place, it helps that your dog is dependably trained with essential commands such as stay.

A dog wouldn't be a completely well-mannered one if he doesn't know how to obey one of the most essential 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's more on keeping him safe especially if you see an upcoming threat. Let's say you take your pet out for a walk and his attention was caught by a bunch of children playing across the street. Before things get out of control, you better say that magic word before he rushes to cross the busy street.

For successful labrador retriever training of stay command, get your dog to perfect the sit command first. If your pet responds well to sit command, training the stay command is not an issue at all. Select a quiet area away from distraction and command him to sit in front of you. With palm facing away, put your hand near his face as if to signal stop. Rather than say "stop", give the command "stay". Your pet 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 procedure 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 try to move or run around. Don't give him rewards. In no time, he will realize that he's 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 obey the command even without rewards.

Once he has mastered the command with you on one position, you can start adding the distance between the two of you. Return 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's reliably trained with the command indoors.