Labrador Retriever Training: Teaching The Stay Command

Even if labrador retrievers are well-known for their intelligence, labrador retriever training isn’t the simplest 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 particularly if their mind is focused on something other than training. An untrained labrador can also get out of hand at times and if it takes place, it is more likely to create several problems. To avoid any untoward incidents from happening, it helps that your pet is dependably trained with basic commands like stay.

A dog wouldn’t be a completely well-mannered one if he does not know how to react to one of the most vital commands a dog should 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 particularly if you see an impending danger. Let’s say you take your dog 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 master the sit command first. If your pet reacts well to sit command, training the stay command is not an issue at all. Select 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. 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’s 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 try to move or run around. Don’t give him rewards. In no time, he will realize that he’s only given good things each time he stays on command. Doing the process repetitively will make him associate the word “stay” with the behavior thus will eventually learn to obey 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. Come back to him to give rewards each time he stays in the position as the distance between the two of you increases.

Begin teaching this lesson outdoors once he’s reliably trained with the command indoors.