Glossary

Stay

A cue that asks a dog to keep its position, such as sitting or lying down, until the owner releases it.

Also called: sit-stay, down-stay, stay cue, wait

"Stay" teaches a dog to hold a position until told it may move. Trainers build it in three parts, called the three Ds: duration (how long), distance (how far the handler moves away) and distraction (what is going on around). Raise only one at a time, and go back a step if the dog fails.

A release word, such as "okay", is important. It tells the dog when the stay is over, so the dog does not decide that on its own.

Stay is a self-control skill, not a test of obedience, and young puppies find it hard. It is often confused with "wait", which means pause briefly and then continue, such as at a door, while "stay" means remain until released. Reward the dog in place instead of calling it out of the stay.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Basic obedience The core manners most pet dogs are taught, usually sit, down, stay, come, walking nicely on a leash and leave it. Recall A dog's trained response to turn and come straight to its owner when called, one of the most important safety behaviors. Cue A word, gesture or situation that tells a dog a particular behavior is available and will be rewarded. Place A cue that sends a dog to a mat or bed and keeps it there, often used when visitors arrive or meals are served.