Teaching a reliable “down” and “stay” outdoors requires clear communication, consistency, and gradually increasing distractions. Here’s how to train these cues:
Step 1: Start in a Low-Distraction Environment
• Practice “Down”:
1. Use a treat to lure your dog into a down position.
2. Say “Down” as they lie down, then reward immediately.
3. Repeat until they consistently follow the cue without a lure.
• Practice “Stay”:
1. Once your dog is in the down position, say “Stay” with a hand signal (palm facing them).
2. Take one small step back, return quickly, and reward if they remain in position.
3. Gradually increase distance and duration.
Step 2: Move Training Outdoors
1. Begin in a quiet outdoor area (e.g., your backyard).
2. Reinforce the “down” cue first to ensure they respond in a new environment.
3. Practice “stay” by increasing distractions slowly (e.g., mild noises or movement).
Step 3: Increase Distractions Gradually
• Move to more stimulating environments like parks or sidewalks.
• Keep sessions short and positive, using high-value treats or toys to maintain focus.
• Always set your dog up for success—start with small challenges and work up to more significant distractions (e.g., passing people, other dogs).
Step 4: Proof the Behavior
• Change your positioning: Practice with you standing, sitting, or walking away.
• Add varying distractions and reward for maintaining the “stay.”
• Occasionally use a release word like “OK” to signal they can break the stay.
Tips:
• Keep sessions short and fun (5–10 minutes).
• Always reward calm, focused behavior.
• Avoid repeating cues—only say “down” or “stay” once.
Consistency is key, and with time, your dog will master these cues in any outdoor setting!
#ocdogs #orangecountydogtraining #lagunabeachdogs #dogtrainersofinstagram
Ryan Keller
949 412 1010
Info@yourdogwins
Happy Holidays. New Office Rules.
#officedogs #officecats #dogsofinsta #catsoftheworld #officerules #ocdogtrainer #orangecountydogtrainer
The more you know. #dogfoodie #foodfordogs #ocdogtraining #ocdogtrainer
Magical Golden Hour at Hiesler Park today in Laguna Beach.
#lagunabeach #goldenhour #sunset #lagunalifestyle
Dog ownership is a natural conversation starter because dogs are social creatures, and they often invite interactions, whether it’s on walks, at the park, or even in dog-friendly spaces like cafes. People tend to bond over their shared love for animals, making it easy to strike up a conversation with fellow dog owners or animal lovers.
Here’s how dog ownership can benefit both your health and professional networking:
1. Health Benefits: Owning a dog encourages physical activity—daily walks, playing fetch, and outdoor time, all of which help improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being. The companionship of a dog also boosts mental health by lowering anxiety and increasing feelings of happiness and relaxation.
2. Social Connections: Dogs help break the ice and create opportunities to meet new people, often leading to conversations with others at dog parks, pet stores, or even while walking in the neighborhood. These casual interactions can turn into friendships or even business connections over time.
3. Professional Networking: Dogs can be the common ground that helps you connect with colleagues, clients, or potential business partners in a relaxed, informal setting. Dog-friendly workplaces, events, or social media groups dedicated to pet owners provide networking opportunities in a more personal, low-pressure environment.
Owning a dog not only enriches your life but also opens doors for social and professional connections, giving you more opportunities to expand both your personal and business networks.
Our Border Collie Rescue “Jasper”. I cannot even fathom, how many people I have met in public with him, that turned into new friends and new clients, he is a magnet.
#doglover #dogsofinstagram #dogtrainer #dogtraining #dogownertips
Congratulations “Maisey” an English Cream Golden Retriever Puppy, that just graduated the Private Puppy Program. Up next is swimming lessons for this precious girl.#goldenretriever #goldenretrieverpuppy #englishcreamgoldenretriever #ocdogtrainer #orangecountydogtraining #dogtraining
As a dog trainer for many years, I see Coyotes all the time and advise dog owners about short leashes while on walks and to stay with their dogs in their yards and safety tips all the time. I love coyotes and we are living in their world.
Coyotes are not exactly dogs, but they are closely related. Both coyotes and domestic dogs belong to the Canidae family, which also includes wolves, foxes, and jackals. Coyotes (Canis latrans) and domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) share a common ancestor, so they’re similar in some ways, but they are distinct species.
I spotted this very well fed coyote just the other day in Laguna Beach.
#coyotes #lagunabeach #ocdogtrainer #mothernature #dogtrainer #orangecounty
Happy Thursday from the trails at Alta Laguna Park! “Oliver,” aka “Falkor The Luck Dragon,” is always reminding me to live in the moment.
Local BDFF and grad student.
What a beautiful day.
#labradoodle #liveinthemoment #ocdogtrainer #dogsofınstagram
