Test Your Dog's Sit Stay Training

I’m sharing my implementation guide so that you can teach your dog to stay and hold duration positions easily with reinforcement. Your dog understanding how to wait with duration will help in daily life around home, when you are out together, and in dog sports like obedience and agility. All you need is your dog, a tug or some treats, and you are ready to get started.
In the episode you'll hear:
• Why I don’t use the phrase impulse control these days.
• The reason to start with correct being easy for your dog.
• How my 5C Formula for Success applies to stay training.
• About mini challenges that grow your dog’s confidence.
• Why your dog’s choice is your dog answering your question.
• How to apply my ItsYerChoice game to stay training.
• Why we want our dogs to want to stay in position as their choice.
• The steps to playing duration games with food if your dog does not like toys.
• Why we need to create clarity about when your dog’s stay is over.
• About the words search and break as release cues.
• My little test that you can play with your dog as you listen.
• How choice based dog training creates connection and trust.
PDF Downloads:
Get your PDF downloads of the Stages of Learning Chart and 5C Formula for Success - dogsthat.com/y/success-bundle
Home School the Dog:
Join Home School the Dog on our special opportunity - dogsthat.com/y/hstd
Resources:
1. Podcast Episode 134: How To Teach A Dog Stay WITHOUT Luring, Collar Pops Or Using The Word “Stay” - • How To Teach A Dog To ...
2. Learn to play ItsYerChoice - dogsthat.com/y/iycsummit
3. Get Crate Games Online - dogsthat.com/y/crategames
4. Podcast Episode 44: Using Coincidences and Positive Associations in Dog Training - • Using Coincidences and...
5. Podcast Episode 57: Why Balance Breaks Fast Track Your Dog Training (DASH) - • Why Balance Breaks Fas...
6. Podcast Episode 21: The 5 Critical Dog Training Layers for Confidence with Anything - • The 5 Critical Dog Tra...
P.S. Subscribe to our KZbin Channel so you get notifications of new videos!
- - - - - - -
Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team.
Susan Garrett’s interest in animal behaviour started at the University of Guelph where she earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then she has developed into a preeminent dog trainer and canine sports instructor and competitor. Susan is one of the most successful agility competitors of the last three decades. She has won multiple Gold Medals at National or World Championship events with every dog she has ever owned over the past 30 years.
A natural teacher and an entertaining speaker, Susan is world renowned as a leading educator of dog trainers. Her understanding of how to apply science-based learning principles to both competitive and family pet dog training has been pivotal in changing how dogs are trained.
Susan is now helping many thousands of dog owners in 132 countries have the best relationship possible with their dogs. The real joy for her comes from bringing confidence to dogs and their owner through playful interactions and relationship building games that are grounded firmly in the science of how animals learn.
- - - - - - -
Our Website: dogsthat.com
Facebook: / susangarrettdogagility
Instagram: / susangarrettdogsthat
TikTok: / dogsthat
LinkedIn: / dogsthat
Pinterest: pinterest.ca/dogsthatcom/
Twitter: / susangarrett
There’s always something new happening at Dogs That, so if you’d like to be the first to know, visit our website, register to receive updates, and we'll keep you in the loop.
dogsthat.com
#dogtraining #puppytraining #podcast

[@DogsThat]

Join Home School the Dog on our special opportunity: dogsthat.com/y/hstd

[@emilyhalpert-cole8028]

Do it! You won’t regret it! 😉 I thought I had the basics down, but HSTD has reduced frustration, created clarity, and, more importantly, it’s helped me see training as a gift I get to share with my pup!❤️ Thank you Susan!!!🥰

[@DogsThat]

Emily, such a lovely note!! You are doing brilliantly!

[@OregonCoastRealEstateBroker]

Recently joined Home School the Dog and it has been amazing! Learning the correct mechanics, layer by layer for my dogs success and providing great joy to my dogs and me. Susan Garrett is not only a great dog trainer, she knows how to communicate what she does and has experience with into her teaching. Thank you!

[@Georg1999]

Susan is amazing but it just hit me how amazing the production value of these videos are, specifically the "words" that pop up on the screen. I am a definitely an auditory learner but i am definitely very visual too. So thank you for making Susan's words pop up on the screen and for writing out those review lists at the end of each topic. I sincerely appreciate it ❤️ Susan you and your team are awesome 💖

[@DogsThat]

Thank you so much for these kind words, we've shared them with the team!

[@azogal53]

What a great opportunity to join Home School the Dog! Excellent foundation that leads into Wag Nation, which has been so much fun. Wonderful podcast, filled with gems, as always. 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪

[@liambable]

Yes, this cleared stuff up. In my case it’s been my dog not knowing when it’s over, my bad. Thanks for clearing this up.

[@alexiatodd4788]

Dear Susan, I remember being amazed to read in your book ‘shaping success’ that Buzzy stayed in a down position outside for like 30 minutes whilst you went inside! Incredible. I don’t have a dog at the moment though if I am lucky I might get a puppy this year. I would definitely want to enroll a potential dog in recallers! Thank you Susan and the dogs that team for all you do! 🐾

[@wendiduggan8580]

Amazing class and thank you for the downloads and for all you do

[@scottiajohnston8025]

This video did add clarity for me and my approach in training. Thank you.

[@gingerworkout]

Loved this episode - thank you so much for all the gifts :)

[@jozeepare9616]

She did great not with a cookie but with saucisses !!! Gave her the 'Break' cue at the end and she stood up and walk! Thanks to you because we enjoy doing all your exercices ! Good day!

[@DogsThat]

Awesome, note Jozee! Great going!

[@mjt6450]

I just love your videos. I find I need to re watch them to get it all. I walk around listening a lot.

[@mandycarr1242]

VERY HELPFUL, THANK YOU!!!!

[@debk6598]

Susan, I am anticipating getting a new puppy in the fall and have been binge watching your shows. I SO appreciate your content! As a retired teacher, you break down learning theory SO well! “I taught it” vs “they learned it” is key! Adding increased challenges is so valuable! Thank you for all you do to help us live our best lives with our dogs!

[@DogsThat]

Thank you, Deb!

[@jessicajarsak7812]

I live in the US and we don’t use metric. I have to use an app to convert measurements when a recipe comes in metric of grams and all. I have a measuring device I can put my measurement cups to weigh and then clear and add the ingredients in grams, ounces, lbs , and whatever. One I’m not really trusting, it’s super sensitive and doesn’t seem to correctly weigh all that much so I use my old one which is awesome. The recipes I make the most are dog treats 😂. So, do you have certain toys that you put in a bag for training? I have toys all over my living room and bedroom. A ball pit, balls, squeakers, balls, ropes, and whatever else. So, do I need to go through their toys and see what they like the most and use those for training? They dig through the toy bins all on their own. They’ll even get in them to find a toy they want. Do I leave some toys and save some for training and rotate them out so they don’t get boring? Thanks. My girls thank you for coming up with fun games. I’ve only watched KZbin videos so far but want to join a group when I financially can.

[@karenneufeld8367]

Thank you for all the gift boxes!-Downloads ! I love your videos!!

[@jennifersorum7475]

Great stuff!! Thank you Susan and Team!! I am a Recallers member!! Love it all!!

[@normawright8977]

Thank you I understand more.

[@vickydimitriou6156]

I’m getting it at last 😊 it’s their choice, I need those downloads

[@nancyhooper1742]

Great podcast as always and Thanks for the downloads. Will rewatch for was driving when I was listening so will do test when I get home. Thanks again for all you do ❤️❤️❤️❤️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Did Test and my Trex did Awesome and didn't move even with break , but Gemma did move so didn't give treat till she didn't move and both girls moved to eat treat ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@alidaruiz9258]

Very important information for my training

[@embladl1]

Hi Susan, You are so brilliantly gifted as a person who works with dogs AND people that I am watching and watching your videos. I don’t know when or if I will catch up on all your episodes. You have made a big difference in how I think about my relationships in the world, especially with my pup. May I make one suggestion? In this video you speak to the viewers as dog owners. In keeping with your philosophy of positive relationship building, you might consider the word guardian instead of owner. I heard this elsewhere and it resonated for me with what you are teaching. Just a thought. Happy tail wags (happy TEMP), and thanks!

[@SSS-sd1cf]

I really think you and your team deserve more likes:) All the tips and details you shared help me with my training a lot, even for something that's so simple as sit and stay. I get a happy dog with confidence and my dog gets a happy owner who could give him more freedom that he deserves.

[@DogsThat]

Thank you for being part of our amazing community

[@JanisBrown-xd1xv]

Great clarity for we humans, the “correct=easy” makes so much sense ! Where do we find the list for 25 stay challenges ?

[@DogsThat]

Hi Janis! It's in the description of the video, and here for you as well: Get your PDF downloads of the Stages of Learning Chart and 5C Formula for Success - dogsthat.com/y/success-bundle

[@kwlancaster1804]

Just got a puppy. I'm scared to do it wrong. I love your help.

[@charly5747]

This was so great and very helpful. Thank you. When I implemented break, do I still say get it, when I want my dog to get the toy? Or do I say break and then get it?

[@paulblart5337]

I’ve watched your videos for a long time I was wondering if I should leave my dog with my little sister mom and dad when I move out or if I should take him with me to college

[@ModernLady]

Quite interesting and very glad I'm listening to this podcast at this moment. Because I'm preparing my dog for a plane ride. And we are working with making the crate a super place to be. I went to a dog school that always released a behavior. So that's what we were doing. I posted a video of our training progress in a breed spesific dog group and another user gave me some great tips, but also said that the dog should go out of the cage when she wanted to. So that it wasn't "forced" to stay there. It made me insecure, because my dog just waited like she always do. And I really don't want a dog that runs out of the cage at the airport! Still haven't finished the episode when commenting, but I'm sure this is the episode I need right now before continuing.

[@DogsThat]

Hi Mariann, you are doing great. If you haven't, it may be interesting for you to look at Crate Games Online: dogsthat.com/y/crategames

[@darcyallder559]

I would like to see the purch work video if you could make one. Thank you!

[@DogsThat]

Hi @Darcy Allder, here's the Perch Work video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWfWm2mcia-hfMU

[@lucytrjo1460]

I love your videos sooo much, I am a vet student that would love to become a dog trainer. I have been saving money for over a year and finally I was able to afford one of your courses. I am practicing the Crate Games with my dogs and loving it. Living in Mexico my only mentor was a balanced dog trainer but I always felt that the punishment part was damaging my relationship with my dog, I stopped training for a while because I felt like a failure for not being able to do the same thing my mentor did but since I found you I have started loving training again and re building my relationship with my dog and her trust. Thank you so much for all the knowledge you share. I have a question, hopefully you read my comment and answer me. Do you have a episode about dogs that are big and step all over everyone and how to teach team that they can't walk over people, other dogs, etc. Thank you, seriously thank you for everything you do. And sorry for my broken English.-.

[@DogsThat]

Lucy, thank you for such a wonderful note! We've added your suggestion to the list of topics for the podcast.

[@JoshHolcomb-XC1]

❤great podcasts. I appreciate how all the episodes are interconnected and Susan references them by number for us. Getting my Rosie to stay in her bed is super important to me. I just started Home School Your Dog with the deep discount and it sounds like Crate Games will be my next purchase. Should I complete HSYD then do Crate Games, or should I do them in conjunction?

[@DogsThat]

Hi @JoshHolcomb-XC1 you could do them at the same time, and we welcome any questions about Crate Games in Home School the Dog 🧡 Thank you for your lovely note about the podcasts.

[@terrijacobs7278]

Good morning I am working my way through your amazing catalogue (we have shared previous comments, on my hope for owning a dog and my learning in advance). You cover many amazing topics in your podcasts and I know that ever single episode will have value for me at some point. So I was thinking that an index would be amazing, do you have an index? Just thought I would ask before I break out a spreadsheet and link inserting session 😀 Just at Episode 95, so will be back for this masterclass in a few weeks Thank you

[@DogsThat]

Hi Terri, thank you! You can see an index of all podcast episodes on our website here: dogsthat.com/podcast-all-episodes/

[@katherinecollmer1094]

Hi, Susan. Oh, yes, this podcast was helpful! I have noticed for quite some time now that Windsor doesn't move from a position, especially his HZ, when I give just his cue word "break." I realized a few days ago that he was waiting for "the next thing," which is "search." And now I realize that I'd used the cue word and search as a combo so many times that I'd confused him about "when it was over." I have work to do, for sure! Exciting, though, because this means we will grow our skills. I will also test his understanding of "break" with the test you've given us. Thank you for this and the previous podcast. They've helped me refresh my understanding of my training goals.

[@emilyhalpert-cole8028]

I also have the same issue! So Molly and I will be working on that along with you and Windsor! 🙂

[@katherinecollmer1094]

@@emilyhalpert-cole8028 It's great to have a training buddy!!

[@delenngrey]

I would love to get the list of 25 challenges that Susan talks about in the video but don't see a link to download it. Can you help me?

[@clareowings4242]

The podcasts have been great. I have a journal just for the podcasts and a journal for each one of my dogs in training. Where could I find the 25 Challenges that you mention in this podcast. I could not find them in the podcast notes.

[@DogsThat]

Hi @Clare Owings, you can get your PDF downloads over on the episode page at our website, just scroll down a little and you'll see the PDF Downloads heading, here's the link to the episode for you - dogsthat.com/podcast/135/

[@lindajakub624]

I think I need to watch how you do this. Listening just does not work for me. I am really confused. I an old so that may be why. We just got a puppy. I would love to help her learn.

[@lynettekay3854]

When do you add the word "sit" for the behavior you are rewarding?

[@nataliegould5156]

Love this video! Is it important to use "get it" when referring to a toy and "search" when referring to a treat? Or can you use "get it" for both? Thanks!

[@DogsThat]

Hi Natalie, great question! We use search for our dogs to find a treat when they don't necessarily know where it is (we toss the treat and then say search). We use “get it” for a toy or treat that our dog is looking at (knows where it is).

[@nbrooke10001]

Thank you! Just found your podcasts, and learning a lot. Is there a tug toy that you like using better than others? I have a dog who loves to tug andi

[@DogsThat]

Hi Nancy, welcome! A lot of the tugs come from 4MyMerles: www.4mymerles.com/product-category/say-yes/ Different toys are chosen for different purposes, and we've go two videos to help with toy selection. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Znq5eqGQZ6aUosk kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZS2hXxslr2dpMk

[@ad_2211]

Just bought your crate games training, I love the transfer of value concept, any ideas on how I can use that for stopping the puppy from jumping on the couch?

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

Check out the do land episode. They need to ask permission to get up. Transfer the value to their own bed. The hot zone game. Susan has a 20 game episode too. You can also try just standing up if they jump on the couch. If that doesn't work, try leaving the room. Are the dogs allowed on the furniture? Is there a piece of furniture that is the dog's? Are there bkids allowing it when Mom and Dad aren't around?

[@DogsThat]

Such great tips to help Anshul, thank you Robin!

[@ad_2211]

@@robinrutherfordcost4748 we are training our lab puppy to be completely off any furniture and also sleep in his crate at night which he is very good at already but tends to bark a lot when he’s in there and we are having dinner. I have been working with him last day or so using Susan’s cloth crate game and already seen a small difference.

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

@@ad_2211 when you are eating dinner, you can try giving the pup a marrow bone (ask your vet as some vets don't want pups to have bones yet and if they do, only one/month) or a stuffed Kong - which should occupy the pup for at least 2 hours. I would be sure the pup sees you eat something first before he gets anything. Have to be sure the bone hole is either small enough that he can't get his bottom jaw stuck through it or large enough that it can come right off. Also, be sure it's frozen (i.e. not cooked,) as well as the Kong. If the pup is under 6 months, could be teething so the frozen item will help his teeth and gums feel better and if more than 6 months old, usually setting their jaw pressure). Be sure you get at least 3 seconds of quiet before you give the pup any attention, otherwise you're rewarding the barking/whining. With the couch, usually just have to be consistent - so every single time they get up on the couch or somewhere they're not allowed, take them to their bed. Want to be sure their bed is comfy for them too. My guys get a blanket on them and it's orthopedic or very thick foam. Kids baby mattresses work great too because you can get the sheets and throw them in the wash - less likely to destroy them vs the cheap dog beds that fall apart once washed. Hope this helps.

[@marlalink6746]

Susan, I love your podcasts and am so happy with #134 and #135 - you're right, they are two of my favorites. I just got my 10 week old puppy last Saturday and immediately enrolled in Home School the Dog. I couldn't be happier and I now understand with #135 that in Treat Diving "search" is not an command to get the food, but a release from his dog bed. Thank you so much for turning on this light bulb for me. I have a huge request for a pod cast: my puppy whines / screams when he can't see me. He is so good in his crate and pen when he knows I am around, but seems to experience extreme separation anxiety when I am out of the room for more than 2 or 3 minutes, or when I am driving and he is in his crate in the back seat. I am concerned that if I don't find a solution to his screaming (besides ignoring it) his anxiety will only increase. I truly believe "the thing before the thing" is my visual absence, but I need direction on how to get him to tolerate, if not be happy, about my being out of sight. Thank you so much for giving us the confidence and tools to be better dog trainers.

[@DogsThat]

Hi Marla, thank you for such a lovely note! You have it about "search" being a release, and it is also a permissions word to let our dogs know when they can get the treat we have thrown. Here are three videos to help your puppy relax if your are not nearby. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIXMZJeHlL5ld5o kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3rQm4qLeMhqsKs kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZTSmqqeqtWdfaM

[@nadiagower9056]

Thank you for both podcasts, so very helpful! I made a discovery this morning while practising Sit/ Break - my dog needs to see me for the release! When I tried to go behind him while he was in the Sit, he first turned his head and then his whole body so that he could see me. He remained in the Sit but turned on the spot 180 degrees. What should I do about that or is it wrong of me even trying to train it? Thank you 🙏

[@DogsThat]

Hi Nadia, we can work towards that for sure, in layers! The WOW game in Recallers is super to visit. Post about it there and we'll help out.

[@nadiagower9056]

@@DogsThat thank you for your reply. Interestingly, I find that game very challenging! That doesn’t mean to say we are not going to try it!

[@nadiagower9056]

Are we allowed to post video clips here?My dog moved one step forward, but kept looking up at me when I did the Test. Good? Bad? I’m confused 🤔

[@DogsThat]

Hi @Nadia Gower posting in Recallers is best. You could post on the game what you are doing is closest too (for example, RZ, Crate Games or Wow), or post in the Recallers Chat forum where there's a video lounge. We're looking forward to helping you in Recallers.

[@raysrabbits345]

Susan, I love your videos and I wish I could do what you do. I try to take a lot from your videos. My dog still drives us crazy, he constantly drops toys on our laps and expects someone to throw it. If anyone touches it, he gets excited. If we hide it instead of giving it back to him he gets wound up trying to get it, and then brings a different one. If we give it to him he will walk away and bring it right back... We just want him to lay down and relax. I'm not sure what to do. Me keeping him might depend on getting this behavior to end, it is extremely irritating and constant. This dog doesn't really relax.

[@DogsThat]

Hi Ray, thank you so much for your lovely note and for tuning in! Have you had a chance to watch the episode about "the thing before the thing"? It will help with the challenge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmPRZqt9d9qJnqc

[@robinrutherfordcost4748]

So he's telling you, let's play. I had a lady that had a Rottie and every night he got a foot massage. I said, it probably happens the same time each night. Before the Rottie comes over, say "C'mon, it's time for your foot massage" - just so it's your idea, not the dog's. Check out Susan Garrett's retrieve podcast. Set a time maybe twice a day - even the kids can help, to play fetch. Just be sure to end the game while the dog is still interested i.e. stop before he gets bored. When game is over - try "all done, time to settle". Reward the dog for being in his bed - hot zone game. Maybe a stuffed Kong, a lick mat, a snuffle mat (only when you can observe for the snuffle mat). These help stimulate the dog mentally and help tamp down their energy level, especially when it's too hot or too cold to exercise them outside. Teach them a trick too. That helps them think for themselves. Since he has lots of energy, spin, twirl, sit pretty, dance (up on hind legs and turn one direction or another), go find your ball or one of the kids - can put notes in a little pocket on their collar, then go find Mom or another member of the family, for each person to leave a note. Again, just stop before the dog gets bored and be sure to get excited and praise the dog when he finds the correct person! Nose work or scent work helps build their confidence too.

[@alinawalter4240]

Watching this podcast made me think that our pup does not have full clarity, esp around the break command. We typically have him sit before crossing a road and then break to actually move. His response to break somewhat depends on whether or not something interesting appears in his line of sight in the meantime. But also, we do move when we break. When he hears the command alone, he waits for us to move. Can we just step back to the HStD games to try and improve his clarity, or will we need to change cues as well? Thanks

[@DogsThat]

Hi Alina, yes, it might totally help to take a couple of steps back to the foundations. The bonus coaching videos in the Transfer the Value module in Home School the Dog will be a big help for you.

[@katherinecollmer1094]

Hi! Where can I find the "Learn, Walk, and Train" videos? Thank you.

[@DogsThat]

Hi Katherine, there's two, 85 and 91. 85 - Understanding Your Dog’s Sit: LWT dogsthat.com/podcast/85/ 91 - Why Judgement Does Not Help People Or Dogs: ItsYerChoice LWT dogsthat.com/podcast/91/

[@katherinecollmer1094]

@@DogsThat thank you!

[@vickie8875]

Where can I find videos for the master classes.

[@DogsThat]

Hi Vickie, we have another coming up very soon, here's where you can join the waitlist and be notified: dogsthat.com/interactive-2022/

[@TheLucybme]

Uh oh. I just tried the 5-cookie RZ sit. Romeo did great at not moving out of position. But when I stood still and said "break!" without moving he stayed by my side. Honestly I think he understood he was allowed to move, but was trying to show me he values RZ (in the hopes of getting more cookies). What should I do?

[@DogsThat]

Hi Leslie, don't worry, it's just information. Pop back to Crate Games and you'll be able to get the release on your cue. We'd love to see a short video (you could post in on Game 6, Crate Games, in Recallers). It's awesome there's value for RZ!

[@barbmorrison5646]

Here’s some fun I do at the end of the day and when we’re done we just hang out and after that a pee and bedtime cookies. The pup waits while I roll her ball away then toss her Kong stick somewhere else and throw her Holy Roller down the hall. Then I say bring me the stick or the ball and after she puts them in my hand I say to her to get the holy because that is the prize because we tug. She lives to tug! We do this 3 times and when she tugs with me, the last time I say thank you and I just give the holy back to her and she knows we are done and then depending on the hour we can hang out or another pee and bedtime cookies. I don’t sleep with my dogs, they have raised beds and comfortable beds on top and when I go out, they are happily safe in their crates.

[@alidaruiz9258]

I don't see the link to home school your dog

[@DogsThat]

Hi @Alida Ruiz, here's the link for you: dogsthat.com/y/hstd

[@The1eviltemptress]

What is this "osteo" game?

[@DogsThat]

Hi @The1eviltemptress, Susan created the Osteo Game after a visit to her Osteopath. The basic principle is that an Osteopath will take a muscle and put it into a position that is unnatural to its normal position. Once that muscle is released, the body will naturally reposition it into the proper place. Susan developed a fun game for adding challenge for experienced dogs in many situations. An example would be a dog has clarity, confidence and understanding for sitting on a mat, and LOVES sitting on a mat, if you take the collar and try and gently move them off they will stay. If they follow you it's great information to build more layers. It's a fun game for agility too for things like weave pole entries or contact end position. (DogsThat Team)

[@curlew2319]

I can't find the list of 25 distractions

[@DogsThat]

Hi @curlew2319, you can get the PDF on our episode page on our website - dogsthat.com/podcast/135/