Raising Happy Dogs with Sarah Hodgson Teaching ‘Wait’: The Cue That Builds Patience in Dogs
Aug 15, 2025
Discover the transformative power of the 'wait' command in dog training. Unlike 'stay,' which demands stillness, 'wait' encourages dogs to pause and practice mindfulness. Learn how this simple cue enhances impulse control, improves leash manners, and fosters a stronger bond between you and your pet. Sarah shares effective training techniques to seamlessly integrate 'wait' into various scenarios, from mealtime to doorways, paving the way for better behavior and harmony in everyday life.
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Wait Versus Stay
- "Wait" differs from "stay" because it asks for a pause, not prolonged stillness.
- Sarah Hodgson says wait builds impulse control and is foundational for many behaviors.
Use Wait Before Key Moments
- Use wait before doors, toys, crates, and feeding to create a calm pause.
- Sarah Hodgson instructs you to pair the pause with a release so dogs learn to check in.
Teach Wait With A Covered Treat
- Teach wait with a covered treat in your hand and only open when the dog calms and looks at you.
- Say wait when they settle and then release the treat to label the behavior.