Before training your deaf dog to stay, you must have a reliable sit or down.
 

Step 1: Place your dog into a sit, or a down.

Step 2: Once your dog is in a sit, give you command for stay. Take one step away from your dog. If the dog does not move, return and reward.

Step 3: After you've practiced step 2 a few times, take two or three steps from your dog after giving your command. If the dog stays, return to it and reward.

Step 4: Once your dog has a reliable stay you can start to increase your duration, distance, and distraction.
 

If you find that your dog is breaking its stay, lessen the criteria so that your dog is successful. For example, if your dog will stay when you take 4 steps away, but not 8, lessen your distance.

 

Remember to keep these sessions short - even just a few minutes at a time, to keep things interesting for the dog. Always end sessions on a high note, and set your dog up to succeed. If you find yourself, or your dog getting frustrated, take a break and try again later.

​

While these methods have worked for us, it is important to remember that every dog is different and what works for one, may not work for another.

​