For many dogs, stillness is a challenging concept to grasp. Especially in sports-bred dogs, which are highly motivated by movement, training methods often focus on encouraging and rewarding action. As a result, teaching stay behaviors can be more difficult. However, introducing the concept of stillness can help your dog remain calm, composed, and focused in various situations, benefiting high-energy or anxious dogs in particular.

Why Teaching Stillness Matters

1. Enhanced Focus: Dogs that can remain still are better able to focus on cues and tasks.
2. Reduced Anxiety: Learning to be still helps anxious dogs feel more secure and relaxed.
3. Improved Behavior: Stillness training curbs impulsive behaviors such as jumping, barking, or chasing.
4. Better Control: It aids in managing your dog in different environments, making outings and social situations more enjoyable.
5. Increased Safety: Ensures your dog stays put in potentially dangerous situations.

Getting Started: Principles of Stillness Training

Before diving into specific exercises, keep these key principles in mind:

• Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm and still behavior with treats, praise, and affection.
• Patience: Each dog learns at their own pace, so be patient and consistent.
• Consistency: Use the same cues and rewards each time you train.
• Short Sessions: Keep training sessions brief to maintain your dog's interest and focus.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Stillness

 1. Create a Calm Environment

• Choose a familiar spot where your dog can relax.
• Remove any distractions, such as toys or other pets.

• Stand Still: Toss a treat a short distance away. When your dog returns and stops moving, mark the behavior with "yes" or a clicker and reward.
• Slowly Add Duration: Gradually increase the time your dog remains still before marking the behavior. Increase the duration by fractions of seconds.

• Start Small: Reward your dog for even brief moments of stillness. Gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
• Use Low-Value Treats: Opt for low-value treats that won't overly excite your dog, maintaining a calm atmosphere.

4. Gradually Increase Duration and Distractions

• Incremental Steps: Gradually extend the time your dog remains still, starting with a few seconds and building up to several minutes.
• Controlled Distractions: Introduce mild distractions, such as soft noises or someone walking by, and reward your dog for remaining still.

Teaching Your Dog Stand-By

 Stand-by is a useful behavior for teaching your dog the concept of stillness. Your dog will learn to default to a stand with eye contact while waiting for cues, rather than offering behaviors or movement.