Chapter 6
🐾 Rebuild the walking-away part
Now we want to bring the walking away back into the exercise from normal forward movement.
Do not be surprised if it suddenly feels less secure again.
Your dog originally learned this part while you were walking backwards, so we now have to transfer that same understanding into the new picture.
➡️ Start without the full Stand exercise
You do not necessarily need to perform the complete S–T sequence at first.
Simply guide the dog into a standing position next to you with food.
Then:
➡️ Close the hand into a fist
➡️ Move the hand away
➡️ Bring it back
➡️ Reward
Once that works, add the first step.
👣 Build the distance again
The next progression is:
➡️ Hand away
➡️ Take one step forward
➡️ Return to the dog
➡️ Hand back
➡️ Reward
Then gradually increase the number of steps, just like you did earlier.
🔄 A small trick for the first steps
For some dogs, it helps if the first step away is more like a small turn in front of the dog.
So instead of immediately walking straight away, briefly move into the dog’s field of vision, then return beside him and reward.
This can make the new picture easier to understand.
🧩 Use the old picture if needed
If your dog still struggles, connect the familiar and new versions.
For example:
➡️ Walk away backwards for one or two steps
➡️ Then turn around
➡️ Continue walking away with your back to the dog
Another option is to stand with your back to the dog and then walk backwards toward him before returning to position.
These variations help the dog understand that the same rule applies regardless of which direction you are facing.
🎯 Work step by step
Some dogs transfer this immediately.
Others need a few more repetitions.
The good news is that the dog already understands the standing stay, so rebuilding it from forward movement is usually much faster than teaching it the first time.
💡 The goal is simple: your dog stays standing securely while you walk straight away and only receives the reward once you return.