Stays with Duration

The Three D's

A rock-solid stay begins with the handler's understanding of Duration, Distance, and Distraction, referred to as the 3 D's. Working on only one D at a time, and with sufficiently small steps, allows you to always reward while the puppy is relaxed and contented. Although unimpressive at first, this calm emotional state is the foundation for truly phenomenal stays under intense duration, distance, and distraction later on.

The Method

This is a stationary exercise for the owner too! If you change positions, you're adding distraction for the dog. If you walk around, you're adding distance. In order to work on stays with duration only, you will need to remain seated in your chair. Find yourself getting up? Now imagine how difficult this is for a young puppy who doesn't have the benefit of a shared language!

1. Seat yourself comfortably in your chair.
2. Prepare two batches of treats: low-value and medium-value.
3. Ask your puppy to sit or lie down. Immediately feed a medium-value treat.
4. Clearly articulate "stay", then feed several medium-value treats in quick succession.
5. After feeding your last medium-value treat, clearly articulate your release word, such as "okay", and toss a low-value treat just far enough from your dog that he must get up. Repeat!