How to Keep My Dog From Running Out of the Door When it Is Opened?

An open door is an open invitation to some dogs. This behavior is annoying and potentially dangerous for your dog. Every time a dog runs outside, there's a risk of it getting lost, getting struck by a car or fighting with another dog. Once your dog has mastered the "sit" and "stay" commands, you can train it to wait at an open door.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hook a leash to your dog's collar and hold the other end, leaving enough slack so that it doesn't feel any tug from your end of the leash.

    • 2

      Walk your dog to the door. Give the "sit" and "stay" commands.

    • 3

      Open the door an inch or two while your dog is sitting. Keep your hand on the door knob and be ready to close the door immediately if your dog attempts to get up.

    • 4

      Praise your dog and give it a treat if it stayed sitting with the door open. If it got up, instruct it to sit again. Continue the session until it has sat for at least three seconds.

    • 5

      Release your dog, using a command such as "finished" or "we're done" to indicate that each session is over. Give this command consistently.

    • 6

      Give your dog another treat and close the door.

    • 7

      Repeat the session a two or three times every day, opening the door a few more inches and leaving your dog in a sit-stay a few seconds longer each time. Continue until your dog can sit for a minute with the door all the way open.