If your dog sits up during a “down/stay”, you should return to the heel side and correct her by placing your hand on the leash, close to the dog’s neck, and snap down toward your heel. Repeat the command “down”. Then, snap firmly and repeat “stay”.
If the dog moves forward or backward, or leaves the spot where you put her, walk the dog at a heel position and return her to the original spot. Then, lightly snap the dog straight down, repeating the “down” command. Do not put her into a sit position—go directly to a down, for the command that was broken was “stay”. Snap again, and repeat the “stay” command. Walk away from your dog.
The dog is put into a down/stay for periods b/t ten minutes to one hour. Never call her from this position. The only way she is released from this position is to have the person who placed her in the down/stay return to her side and tell her that she is free. No one other than the person who put the dog in the position can release her (aside from a family member that is working with the dog, as well).
A dog should be able to perform a long down/stay through normal distractions. Do not alter your behavior, or that of your family, to help the dog stay. Do not let your dog end her down/stay without you returning to his side to release her. The decision needs to be yours!
Do not allow your dog to sniff or stretch or roll over during the down/stay. These things should be corrected the same way as if the dog had moved. She should either be looking at you, or fall asleep.