The best way to transfer commands to new places is just to practice. Whe we take Loki to a new place (a dog store, a friend's house, outside at the park) we work on simple commands he has down, so he can feel more comfortable and learn we are in control and also that SIT at home means SIT on the sidewalk. It's just a lot of practice :-)
Also, a good way to work on STAY is when you are feeding them. Put them in a sit or down position and slowly lower the food bowl. If they get up, raise it back up, put them back in the position, start to lower again... etc. Make them learn they need to do what they are told until you release them (We say "OK") Obviously Loki's not trained perfectly and could never do those 10 minute down/stays they do in obedience trials or stay put if there is a major distraction - but he can do something simple like a 30 second stay for a picture or sit on the rug until I tell him it's OK to dive into his food. Sometimes I just do it randomly to practice - Loki follows me everywhere even if it's just to change a load of laundry. So a few times a day when I get up and he is laying near me I will ask him to STAY, go to the laundry room or wherever, and reward him when I get back. It took months to get to this point (and he had to learn the word first), but it's just a simple command you can work into your routine.
This won't help you immediately, but I thought you might like some easy suggestions! |