The “Stay” command is very similar to “Wait.” However, its purpose is different. The dog is not waiting momentarily for you to release him. He is to stay in the position and spot you left him in until you release him, which could be one or two minutes, 10 minutes or 30.

You want your dog to resist all temptations to break the stay, including the cat meandering in front of him, food placed nearby, even children running and screaming as they tumble just feet away. (The sit-stay and down-stay are taught in the same manner, so the following steps can also be used for the down-stay)

Shaping the Sit-Stay

Begin with your dachshund on leash, at your side. Put your dachsie in a sit. As you say “Stay,” use your left hand to give your dachshund the “Stay” hand signal. Take your left hand, with fingers pointing downward and palm facing your dog, and put it directly in front of his nose. Wait two seconds, and click and treat. Repeat. Wait 10 seconds by your dog's side, click and treat, and repeat.

Next, gradually add the variants of distance and time to the sit-stay. Put your dog in a sit. Give the “Stay” command and hand signal. Take one step to the right and one back. Click and treat, and repeat. Take two steps to the right and one step back. Click and treat, and repeat. Take one step to the right, pause for two seconds, and return to your dog. Click and treat, and repeat.

Take one step to the right, pause for 10 seconds, and return to your dog. Click and treat, and repeat. Stand next to your dog for one minute. Click and treat, and repeat. Continue adding time and distance, walk around your dog while he's in a sit-stay, and add distractions. This could include having a person come up to talk to you and then leave or rolling a toy in front of your dog.