Goal

Puppy remains in a standing position on the paw pad while the handler moves out of position, away from the puppy.

Why

This introduces self-control and is the foundation for the stay command.

Set Up

• Puppy off leash
• Paw pad placed where puppy will be successful at keeping a straight line, i.e. on the wall or away from the wall  
• Bait bag full of rewards

Procedure

1. Have the puppy stand on the paw pad. Mark and reward. As the puppy is chewing the reward, the handler should take one small step forward with the right leg. Slightly pivot on the left leg and immediately return to the original position. Mark and reward. The movement needs to be so small that the puppy barely sees the movement.
2. Repeat the small step procedure several times, gradually increasing the distance of your step. Keep the left leg next to the paw pad and just pivot on it. This is less distracting to the puppy. A high rate of reinforcement should be delivered as the handler is moving in and out of position.
3. Next, the handler pivots in front of the puppy, marking and rewarding before stepping back into position. Repeat several times.
4. If the puppy is solid on the paw pad while the handler is pivoting in front of the puppy, the handler may take a step backward while facing the puppy. All of this movement should be done while the puppy is chewing his previous reward. Mark, then move back to the position in front of the puppy and deliver a reward. Repeat several times. Do not rush to increase the distance from the puppy. The puppy needs a strong history of reinforcement for staying on the paw pad while the handler is moving. This will help the puppy realize that remaining on the paw pad will result in food.
5. The time between rewards should gradually increase while the handler is still close to the puppy. If the puppy becomes restless or moves off the paw pad, the puppy is being asked to hold the position for too long.
6. Once the puppy is holding his position, the handler can then take a step forward, sideways or backward. The handler returns to position to reward the puppy, as long as he stays on the pad. Repeat several times. If the puppy is successful, the handler may gradually increase the number of steps. It might take several sessions for the puppy to be comfortable with the handler 6 feet away.
7. If the handler is certain the puppy will stay on the paw pad, then use of the verbal cue “stay” as well as the hand cue while the handler steps away. In positive training, the cues are added AFTER the behavior begins to take shape.