Evening all,

Chance is now 6 months and turning into a really good family pet. She is doing so well on every level (apart from peeing on my Mums carpet last week whilst visiting-lol!) and always draws a crowd where ever she goes.

However, the one thing I am struggling on is making her stay. If I take the lead off whilst on a walk she will sit, then wait while I remove the lead and until I give her a command, then off she runs. However, if I try to walk away from her and ask her to remain still she just follows me!

Any tips?

(BTW - She is rescue and best guess is a Lab/Collie X.)

You need to build things up gradually with a stay. Tell Chance to stay, take 1 step away and then go straight back, if she stayed treat and praise, then take 2 steps, straight back, 3 steps etc. Once she is staying while you go straight back to him next try staying away for 5 seconds, 10 seconds and build it up gradually.

If she gets up go straight back to her and put her back in the position you left her in. If you have to constantly keep saying stay to her to start off with then so be it.

Once you have done that aim for getting her to stay for a minute while you are about 5 paces away from him, then build up like that. When you manage 2 minutes try doing part of the stay out of sight for say 60 seconds in sight, 30 seconds out of sight and the last 30 seconds back in sight.

Always praise and treat when she does as you want.

Good luck, and be paitient, it doesn't happen over night

I also have a six month lab/collie pup, Chance sounds a lot better trained than him already so I'm unable to offer any advice, but could you post some pics of her please? Zach and I are keen to see!

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WOW - Thanks for the replies guys. I've just got a new camera so have plenty of recent photos. However, I'm yet to upload any off the thing so will try later and show you the results!

i agree you need to move away one step at a time with loads of rewards for staying, when you feel ready you can have someone else hold the lead while you walk far away with the assistant telling her shes a good girl for staying feeding her treats. eventually you may be able to do it with objects in the way and you hiding out of sight.

Here she is!

Picasa Web Albums - Mike - Chance

Wow she is absolutely stunning How do u keep her coat so shiney?

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I agree with the advice you have been given, I couldn't take a step away at first, as soon as I made a move his bum came up from the sit position. Eventually I could step backwards and eventually I could turn my back and walk away turn round and walk back to him.

Once Chance is comfortable with you stepping back one step at a time, try walking round him and walking away at different angles too.

Sue

L'Oreal - Because shes worth it!

Only joking, all I do is give her good food and loads of exercise. The rest is down to her.

Well, we 'stayed' in last night (to avoid the fireworks) and so had ample opportuity in the hall way to practice our 'Stay'.

I am very pleased to announce SHE HAS GOT IT!!! Tried again this morning whilst out walking and although a little slow at first she soon remembered.

I can now leave her at one side of the kitchen and walk into the dining room. If I don't go out of sight I can get all the way back to her without her budging.

Next hurdle is me being able to leave the room, and return whilst she 'stays'.

Thanks for the tips.