Proofing the Long down stay

Proofing the Long down stay

A common mistake made by trainers in teaching the long down stay is to keep testing their dog to check on the progress they are making. They often move away from the dog too soon which causes their dogs to break the stay and to slow progress. They need to follow the 3 D routine.

Remember to always step away from the dog on the RIGHT foot. (The left foot is used to indicate “heel” or to follow you.) Use a few of the following suggestions before rewarding and playing excitedly for a while after each exercise. The dog must know that staying as commanded will have great benefits for him. The dog must also be comfortable in the “relaxed” (Hip sideways) down position.

The moment the dog breaks the stay, Shout “Down,” rush to Him and force him backward to the original position. Dogs hate to be walked backwards and become disinclined to break a stay.

3 D’s = Distraction, Duration and Distance must be taught and learnt in that order.

Distractions

1. Give a “Down” command (Do not say stay) and walk around the dog 2X then 3 or more times

2. Run round the dog 2X or more as he settles in the down position.

3. Step over the dog and back. Play with his favourite toy near him.

4. Get a stranger or helper to do some of the same distracting activities.

5. Play with, bounce or roll a ball past the front of the dog.

6. Splash water from a bottle on the dog.

7. Sit down on the ground a short distance from the dog and later lie down to add further distraction.

Duration (Only to be attempted when the dog is no longer distracted and breaks the stay.)

1. Leave the dog, walk 5 paces and stand with your back to the dog. Wait 1 minute and return.

2. As above but now walk past the dog as you return, halt and wait another minute.

3. As above but gradually wait 1 minute then 2 and up to 5 minutes at most.

Distance,

1. Start walking 10 paces then 15, 20 and finally 40 paces away from the dog waiting ½ minutes each time.

2. Walk upwind away from your dog in the beginning so that he can smell that you did not go away as you hide behind a fence, tree or building. Peep out so that he can see that you have not gone home. Repeat at different locations to get your dog to trust that you will come back however long it may take.

 When you return to the dog go directly to the Heel position alongside the dog. Do not make eye contact or speak to him, stand up straight, count to 3 and then say “Yes” and love your dog. Treats can be given or delayed. Any prior contact can make the dog break the stay and fail a test or create another bad habit.

In Schutzhund tests all stays are 10 minutes long and the dog must be stable when guns are fired.