Training Tip: Bar the Door!

If you ever want to know just how bad an experience it is to watch your dog run out the door, Google "dog ran out door" and read the horror stories. With proper training, your dog will think twice before heading for the wide open spaces (or out into the path of a semi).

This exercise only takes a few minutes to do and depending on the dog it may only take a few lessons to get the message. As with any behavior training, it's best to identify the problem and then practice the desired behavior in a controlled environment. Rex doesn't know the difference between training and "live action", so practice, practice, practice!

The front door is the best place to start because it represents both the biggest temptation and the greatest danger. Pick a time when you can set aside about 30 minutes for a session. Remember, patience is your most important tool in training. Do not start a session exactly 30 minutes before you have to dash out the door to be on time for lunch with your hot date! Clip the leash on your dog without getting him all worked up about going "walkies". This session is about doors only.

Approach the front door as you normally do, and have Rex "sit" just far enough from the door so you can open it without bumping him. Praise the sit. Reach for the doorknob slowly and turn it, click it, whatever begins the opening process. If your pup stands up, withdraw your hand and tell him to sit again. Use the same voice you used the first time. Be patient. Repeat this part until you can turn the knob and open the door fully with Rex staying in the sit. Do not repeat "sit, sit, sit." It dilutes the command. Use it once for each time he stands and praise the sit.

Now that the door is open, we move to step two. If you have been using the "left foot first" Heel method, begin a step out the door with your right foot and stand just outside. If your pup stands at any time before you can do this, step back and close the door. Ask him to sit and praise the action. Repeat until you can open the door, step out and stand on the front step or porch with Rex in a sit the whole time. Pause. Take a breath. Keep the leash slack. You don't want to send any messages that it's OK to come out yet.

Now call your dog with a gentle "Come" command. He should come out the door and immediately respond to a "Sit" command. You should be able to check for your keys, close the door and arrange the leash before stepping out into the world. Walk him to about the next door neighbor's house then turn around and go back. Repeat the entire door exercise going back into the house. Have him sit while you remove the leash until you give the release command, then praise generously.

This exercise can be expanded for car trips as well! After going through the front door routine, do the same thing at the car. Have your dog sit, then put everything in the car. As long as he sits, all is well. Any time he stands, the doors are shut and he must sit again before any further action. Stay patient. Eventually Rex will learn that nothing good happens until he recognizes your priorities come first.

If you stick to this routine for the rest of your dog's life, the possibility that he will run out the door will diminish with time. Try it at the back door as well. Practice it at inside doors. There are two benefits to this training: 1) No more bolting out the door and 2) Your dog will be closer to acknowledging you as the "boss". Wild canines are very threshold-oriented. For proof of this, just watch how dogs at a dog park crowd around the gate when a "new guy" shows up. Once your dog recognizes your right to go first, you will be on the road to a well-behaved pooch.