Labrador Retriever Training: Teaching the Stay Command

Even though labrador retrievers are well-known
for their intelligence, labrador retriever
training is not the simplest task a dog owner
may encounter. While it's true that several of
them can pick up instructions in a short while,
some can be hard to train particularly if their
mind is focused on something aside from
training. An untrained labrador can also get out
of hand sometimes and if it takes place, it is
more likely to cause several problems. In order
to avoid any unfavorable incidents from
happening, it helps that your furry friend is
reliably trained with essential commands such as
stay.

A dog wouldn't be a completely well-mannered one
if he does not know how to obey one of the most
valuable commands a dog must 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
particularly if you see an impending threat.
Let's say you take your pet out for a walk and
his attention was caught by a group 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, train your dog to perfect the sit
command first. If your pet reacts well to sit
command, training the stay command isn't an
issue at all. Pick a quiet room away from
distraction and command him to sit in front of
you. With palm facing away, place your hand
close to 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
eventually increase the time of waiting before
giving him his rewards.

At some point of your labrador retriever
training, your dog may want to strive 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 obey the command even
without rewards.

Once he has perfected the command with you on
one position, you can begin adding the distance
between both of you. Come back to him to give
rewards each 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.

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Kate Truman is fond of writing several articles
including labrador retriever training. Get more
labrador retriever training article at
http://www.labradorretrieversavvvy.com

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