All polite dogs should be able to stay on command. This is important, because it will keep your dog in line, and you out of trouble when distractions are present.

Stay can only be mastered after the sit command is understood. First, put your dog in a sit. Then extend your arm away from your body towards the dog. With your palm flat, put it in front of the dog. (Picture a traffic control cop giving you the hand signal for stop.) With a treat in your other hand tell them in a loud clear voice “stay”. Slowly take a step back with the treat visible. If they move forward, correct them with a clear “ah-ah” and put them back in a sit. Start again with the command and take a step back. If they stay wait approximately 5 seconds then tell them to come and reward them with the treat. Continue this process and slowly move further away from the dog. It is also important to increase the amount of time they spend in a stay. With practice they should be able to get this command down. You can also implement distractions, like someone else calling the dog or placing a toy in front of them.

Keep in mind, that if you put the dog in a stay, you should be the only person who can release the dog. This command should never be used if you are leaving, as the dog needs to be released for it to work properly.