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When you get a new puppy, what’s one of the first cues everyone tells you to teach?
If you said “stay,” you’re not alone.
It’s in nearly every puppy class. It’s required in the Kennel Club Good Citizen scheme. And it’s often treated as a basic foundational behaviour.
But here’s the truth I’ve learned after nearly two decades of working with Border Collies:
👉 Teaching “stay” too early can be more harmful than helpful.
Let’s talk about why I don’t include “stay” in my early puppy training plans and what I focus on instead.
“Stay” Is Not a Beginner Skill
Staying still while distractions move around you whether that’s people, dogs, toys, or smells is hard for young dogs.
Especially for Border Collie puppies.
They’re wired to observe, react, and move. Asking them to stay put before they understand why they should, or before they even want to work with you, often results in:
- Frustration
- Disengagement
- Or full-on avoidance
In trials, I’ve seen “stay” exercises included even in novice classes and I honestly find that shocking. Holding position while other dogs move around you isn’t an entry-level skill it’s something we work towards.
So What Do I Teach Instead?
In the early stages, I prioritise engagement and motivation over stillness.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Building value for food and toys
- Creating a training environment that’s fun, not frustrating
- Using platforms or mats as a physical place to reinforce staying in one spot without using verbal commands or pressure
- Training “duration” in life like waiting calmly at the crate door, or sitting before the lead comes off
I teach dogs how to want to stay, not because I told them to, but because doing so gets them what they want whether that’s freedom, a treat, or a chance to chase a ball.
What Happens When We Push “Stay” Too Early?
I’ve seen it firsthand:
- Puppies get overwhelmed trying to “leave” food or hold a position, and respond by growling, biting, or giving up
- They start associating training with pressure, not play
- They disengage from you entirely and lose confidence in the learning process
Impulse control is important but so is timing.
Impulse Control Comes Later (But It Does Come)
Once your dog is:
- Motivated to work with you
- Able to focus
- Comfortable with the training process…
…then you can start to introduce controlled, fun impulse games.
That’s when “stay” becomes useful and even enjoyable.
It’s the difference between making your dog hold still and your dog offering calm behaviours because they understand the payoff is worth it.
🐾 Need Help with Your Border Collie Puppy?
If you’re wondering when and how to start training your Border Collie puppy, you’re in the right place.
I offer a dedicated Border Collie Puppy Training Plan designed for pups aged 2 to 6 months old—the perfect age to build focus, motivation, and calm behaviour before problems start.
💡 Expect guidance tailored to the unique needs of the breed—not just generic puppy advice. This is real-life training for high-drive, working-bred dogs living in the modern world.
👉 Haven’t brought your pup home yet? Book a Pre-Puppy Consultation and get expert advice to set yourself (and your future Collie) up for success.
Visit the Puppy Training page for current prices and booking info.
🐕 Is your Border Collie already over 6 months? It’s not too late start with an Initial Training Consultation and we’ll create a plan to help with behaviour, focus, or anything else you’re struggling with.
✅ Support from a trainer who understands the breed
✅ Positive, breed-aware, science-backed methods
✅ Real results with Border Collie puppies in town, on farms, and everywhere in between
📍 Based in the UK but available worldwide online.
