Staying power

Once your puppy has learned the meaning of ‘Sit’ and obeys it without the use of your hand or the lead, he can graduate to ‘Sit and Stay’.

With your puppy at your left side and the lead in the left hand, bring the lead to an almost taut position above his head. Command him to ‘Sit – Stay’ and walk around him. If he tries to move, or slides forward into the down position correct him with a quick jerk on the lead. Keep the lessons very short the first time and repeat daily until he shows no tendency to move.

Gradually relax the tension on the lead – keep repeating the command – until you no longer need to use it to control the position and can widen your walking circle around your dog. When you are satisfied that he is steady in the ‘Sit’ position try the exercise without the lead, moving further away from him and eventually out of his sight.

Success with this exercise marks an important stage in your relationship with your dog. You will be beginning to trust him to do as he is told. He will be gaining the confidence that if he stays where you have put him, you will return.

As with all training exercises, be lavish with your praise when he has done it correctly. Don’t scold him if he fails – just withhold the praise