Good point binka! I should have added for myself I don't
consider "stay" a long timeframe type of command. I use
"stay" for short duration things and "settle" for long periods.

For example, I wouldn't put Oz in a sit stay and expect him
to stay for 30 mins like that. "Settle" is not as rigid, where
I just want him to go lay down somewhere in the general
vicinity for 30 mins.

We're still building up time on this command and I teach it
differently than "stay". Still using the flat collar and 6ft leash, I
put my foot down on about 2 ft of the leash, so that it'll be
more comfortable for him, if he lays down. I say "settle" then
totally ignore him. If he lays down, I say "good boy", but not
too excitedly, that he'll want to get up. I started with 1 min
and am slowly increasing the time. This command has come
in real handy at training class, where I need to be able to
focus on what the instructor is telling us, without having to
worry about Oz distracting me. Harder to use "stay" in that
situation, because I need to be focused on Oz to make sure
he's staying exactly where I put him.

Oh and here's another one, I use "wait" for things like not
rushing through a door or gate, until I tell him he can come
through. I don't use "stay", because I don't care if he moves
around where he is, just don't want him moving through the
doorway. This command was pretty easy with Oz, because
herding breeds seem to have a natural tendency to want to
bring up the rear.

Par...