[salazark]

Teaching stay to a young one can be tough because puppies just don't have a lot of self control at that age - think toddler. It is still a good time to start though. Just don't expect greatness!! Start with a very, very short period of time - 1 or 2 seconds. As they start to get what you are wanting, vary the time so that they don't anticipate a certain amount of time. After they get it pretty good, you can start to add small distractions - like wiggling your hand or later foot. Don't add more than one thing at a time though. In other words, don't add to the duration and also add a distraction at the same time. Eventually you can start to move a foot like you are going to walk away. Very, very slowly work on this one. You want to set the pup up for success. Learn to read them and if you see the signs that they are about to move - praise and reward - before they get the chance to break the stay. There are three components to a good stay - duration, distraction, and distance. The more you add of each the harder it is. In our classes we take two seven week sessions to fully incorporate all three. One more tip - we always start our loose leash walking with our left foot. The dog learns to read your body language. If you begin walking when you want your dog to come with you with lead your left foot - always begin walking when you want your dog to stay with your right foot. It sounds simple but it's much less confusing for your dog.

Sorry for the book!!