• Have your rottie sit; make sure he is sitting comfortably.
• Stand to his right, put the palm of your hand in front of his face and say "Stay".
• Step away using your right foot. You should always leave your rottie using your right foot.
• Take only one or two steps, turn and stand right in front of your rottie.
• You may repeat the word 'stay' a couple of times. Wait only a few seconds and then return to your rottie's side.
• When you finish, say "okay!". Get your rottie to move and give hima big hug and a kiss. Really praise him!
• Do this several times over the next few days. When your rottie seems steady, you can increase the time that you stand in front of him.
• Then you can increase the distance, but only a little at a time.
• You may practice your 'stays' from a down or standing position by following the same steps.
• If you want to give your rottie a treat, give him small pieces while he's in the 'stay' position. Don't feed him after he moves, or he will have trouble staying while he is waiting for the treat.
TIPS:
• If your rottie makes a mistake and moves...Great! Now you have the chance to show him that stay means: don't move.
• Just smile to yourself for the opportunity and return him to the same position. Say 'stay'. This time, stand closer to your rottie and wait just a few seconds.Then be sure to praise your smart rottie. Happy training!
• Never, never yell at your rottie for moving before you say okay. Your rottie is not being bad. He is just learning!