Keep your dog training cues simple, the same and satisfying.
This will be the difference between successful management vs chasing your dog down the street. Wait and Stay are in fact two different cues but are often used interchangeably. Both are simple to teach but if used interchangeably can get confusing for the dog.
Oftentimes when I go to a clients house who is having issues with their dog listening to them it is due to being unclear in their communication. When one person says “Sit” and the dog Sits, but another person says “sit” and the dog does a down. The meaning of sit is now confusing. When this happens the dogs internal response is to try to do the behavior they think will please you and get the reward.
It is crucial when you begin training your dog to have everyone involved on the same page, same cues and same expectations of the dog. If you do not this will cause issues.
Wait and Stay are used interchangeably in Most Cases
When you are in a low distraction area it is easy to use both cues in the same context, But when we start to add in distractions and real life scenarios the difference between Wait and Stay can be a life changing cue.
Definitions of Wait and Stay in Dog Training
Wait– hang on for a moment or two then get a release word. Used in everyday life.
Stay– Hold position for a longer period of time. This is also more safety related,
Wait is easier to hold than Stay
Just like when we have a 15 minute drive to work versus having an hour drive to work with the added traffic. Which one are you more likely to enjoy? This is the same as a wait and a stay. Duration time is the key difference between them,
Make sure you have a release word prior to teaching this cue
A release word is a signal to your dog to be able to move from the cue you just asked them to perform. For example if I send Aussie to “Come” and she has come and we were just practicing in the yard I day “Break” and move away from her. Signaling the word means she can move. Other common words used: Free, Release. Try avoiding using the word “OK” as a release word . As it is too commonly used in everyday life.
Situations to use Wait
Wait to go outside on walks on into the yard
Guests are coming over
Situations to use Stay
In an elevator
At the Vet
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