The Stand

In this lesson, we'll build on the stand exercise introduced in Puppy Basics by increasing the duration and practising it in a variety of different environments.

A calm, reliable stand is an incredibly useful life skill. It allows your dog to remain relaxed while being examined by a vet, groomed, checked over after a day's work, or handled in any situation where they need to stay still.

Ask your dog to stand as they have previously learned, then gradually increase the amount of time they remain standing before clicking and rewarding. Build the duration slowly over several training sessions, ensuring your dog remains calm and comfortable throughout.

Once your dog is confidently holding the stand at home, begin practising in different locations. Proofing the exercise in a range of environments will help your dog understand that the cue means the same thing wherever they are.

If your dog moves out of position, simply make the exercise easier and build back up gradually. The aim is a dog that can stand quietly and confidently until released.

As always, less is more. Keep your training sessions short, reward success, and progress at a pace that keeps your dog relaxed and engaged.