Core Obedience
Stay
Duration behavior that builds impulse control with clear release timing.
Stay teaches the dog to maintain position until released, even when handler moves.
Reliable stay is built by training duration, then distance, then distraction in small increments.
What this command is
Dog maintains current position until release cue.
Estimated time: 1-3 weeks
Why it matters: Stay prevents door-dashing, improves handling safety, and builds frustration tolerance.
Public training steps
Mark short holds
Cue stay, count 1-2 seconds, reward in position.
Success: Dog holds position briefly without moving.
Typical time: 2-4 sessions
Layer distance/distraction
Take one step back, return to reward, then slowly increase difficulty.
Success: Dog holds while handler moves and mild distractions occur.
Typical time: 6-15 sessions