Beth, I found your post so interesting. For many reasons but the part that I'd like to comment on here is where you state one should create enough distraction for the dog to make a mistake. That's the theory my dog's trainer has always had. I found that following that has really upped the benchmark for me and my dog. I came to expect more from him as a result of it. It makes perfect sense to me.

Training the stay does seem to fall into a gray zone for me though. I do think with the stay that I'd prefer to start out NOT looking for his threshold and instead use several 20 second or 40 second intervals that end in a reward. I think only after getting several dozen of those being successful will I look toward the "what's his mistake threshold" moment. By increasing the time first, the place and then adding distractions, I should be able to produce a reliable stay.

Today I had him down/stay on our walk (absolutely no one around in sight) and started to walk away from him. I got about 50 feet when he broke the down/stay and went into a sit/stay. I think he got nervous as to where was I going without him. From that distance I used the hand signal for down. He complied. I said, "Stay". Walked a little further and stood still facing him and waited about 15 seconds. He was so utterly focused, my God. Now I know what it's like to have a Schutzhund trained GSD!!! I then whistled and boy did he fly to me! He was going so fast he couldn't stop himself very easily when he reached me. It was really rather cute. My little klutz!! I praised him and gave him 3 treats. It was a fun exercise and I'll do it again but this time, I'll have him sit/stay. Walking away from him while out on our walk seemed to get him a tad anxious so sitting may be better to start.

Anyway, Beth and everyone thanks for all the great tips. It is so very much appreciated !

Judy