Basic Obedience: Day 10 of 56
This video and training session are part of the Grungehorsam concept, a structured program designed to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully designed from a didactic and methodological perspective to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one, thereby achieving maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you follow the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
Do you ever get frustrated when your dog barks at every little noise or follows you around everywhere you go? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many dog owners struggle with similar issues, and that’s exactly where “stay” training comes in. This simple yet incredibly effective exercise teaches your dog to stay calm in its spot and relax—even in exciting or stressful situations.
In today’s blog, we’ll show you how to successfully implement “stay” training at home and why it’s so important for your dog to learn how to cope with frustration and boredom. This training lays the foundation for many other important skills, such as a reliable recall and a relaxed attitude toward guests. So, let’s get started and teach your dog the calmness and composure they need!
Goal:When given the command, yourdog moves to its designated spot and stays there until another command or release signal is given.
Equipment:Harness, leash, dog run/kennel/wall hook, treats or food-dispensing toys
Location: Home
Duration:About 10–15 minutes of training(gradually increase the duration); practice daily as part of your routine
Ceiling Training – Why?
We place great importance on training within the home, because we spend most of our time with our dogs there. So if the basics aren’t in place at home—in a low-stimulus environment—it’s no surprise that things don’t go well during walks. If your dog acts like the boss at home, he will undoubtedly do the same outside. Training is a holistic process that must take place always and everywhere. Otherwise, your dog won’t recognize any consistency in what you expect from him. As a human, you serve as the point of reference. You can think of yourself as a team leader who ensures that rules are implemented and followed. Spatial boundaries are important in many aspects of dog training and begin at home. The dog does not have to be the center of our attention all the time, and it is acceptable to define spatial boundaries.
In addition to your own reliability, unwinding and relaxing play a crucial role. Constant stress is just as unhealthy for our dogs as it is for us. And yes, even if you think it’s cute: as soon as your dog follows you around the house everywhere you go, that means stress for your dog. The “Go to your spot” training lays the foundation for:
- Learning the ropes to welcome guests,
- to be able to eat in peace,
- to do the housework,
- so that your dog stops barking at everything on the street,
- but also a reliable recall
- or to train your dog to stay calm in everyday situations.
ℹ Info
For our dogs, space is a resource that you, as a human, must manage. Dogs are very sensitive to spatial boundaries. Your job is to allocate this resource—or, if necessary, deny access to it.
So you see: it’s an absolute must-have! The fact that your dog has to cope with situations that are somewhat unpleasant for him—such as waiting, frustration, or boredom—is one of the most important skills, and it must be learned and reinforced every single time. This frustration tolerance starts right at home and is a crucial foundation for the recall command. If your dog can’t handle this frustration at home, how is he supposed to resist it and respond to your recall instead of running off to his dog friends or chasing after a duck? Frustration tolerance is combined with impulse control—that is, self-control. Both frustration tolerance and impulse control are core competencies!
Dogs are highly social animals and, in the wild, live either in packs (genetically related) or in social groups (non-related dogs). Living in groups primarily serves the purpose of safety and thus survival, and also means that dogs remain within these social groups. When applied to domesticated dogs, this constant social interaction is not possible, even though it would be highly desirable. Everyone has to work at some point, run an errand without the dog, or go shopping. Our dog cannot and should not accompany us in every one of our daily activities. This makes it all the more important to relieve the dog of the stress of having to follow us everywhere we go. And where is the best place to practice this thoroughly? At home, of course!
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Summary
Crate training is much more than just an exercise to teach your dog to go to his spot. It’s a key building block for his frustration tolerance and impulse control —two essential skills that help him stay calm even in difficult situations. When your dog learns to wait patiently in his spot—whether while eating, when guests arrive, or during everyday life—it will positively influence not only his behavior indoors but also outdoors.
By setting clear boundaries and practicing regularly, you can help your dog reduce stress and stay relaxed. This training not only strengthens your bond but also reassures your dog that he doesn’t always have to be the center of attention. And best of all: with consistent practice, your dog will become calmer and more composed even when you’re not there.
So why not start incorporating "ceiling training" into your daily routine today? It’s a must-have for any dog owner who wants to enjoy a relaxed and harmonious life with their dog!
This video and training session are part of the Grungehorsam concept, a structured program designed to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully designed from a didactic and methodological perspective to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one, thereby achieving maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you follow the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The authors: Paulina & Lui
Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dog Training & Store]. Their journey in dog training began with the adoption of their first high-risk dog, Vito. This experience sparked a deep interest in sharing knowledge about dog behavior and training with other dog owners. Initially, this was merely a hobby, but with the adoption of Amalia, an American Pitbull who had been rehomed multiple times due to severe behavioral issues, their passion evolved into a true calling. Amalia’s unique behavioral challenges deepened their interest in dog training and behavioral therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, pursue intensive further training, and devote themselves entirely to the field of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically designed for medium and large breeds.
Based on this insight, Vitomalia [Dog Training & Store] was born—a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for high-quality dog supplies. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experiences, extensive knowledge, and passion for dogs to every product, with the goal of supporting human-dog teams in their daily lives.
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