Welcome to Training Tip Tuesday — Wait to go out the door

Over the past few weeks, we’ve focused on the “wait” cue for our dogs. 

We went over what it means, and how it differs from the Stay cue. We also started to to use it in real life!

Wait simply means pause for a moment and wait for me to release you. It may appear similar to a stay cue, but it less formal. In a stay, you’re telling the dog it needs to STAY right here until you return. But, the wait means hold tight for just a few seconds.

Remember, dogs appear to act on impulse. See a rabbit? Chase it. See an open door? Run.

We’ve taught our dog how to wait calmly for a food bowl and how to wait while we put a collar and/or leash on so we can go for a walk. This week, our goal is to have our dog “wait” while we open the door without bolting out.

1. Your dog is on-lead, but the lead is dragging.

2. Create an imaginary line around the door in your mind that your dog will not cross.

3. Give your dog the “wait” cue and then back him up to that line.

4. Without turning your back completely on the dog, start to open the door.

5. If your dog moves towards the door, quietly shut the door .

6. Back your dog up to the invisible line again and remind them to “wait.”

7. Start opening the door again.

8. If your dog keeps moving, just try two or three times. If you have no progress, walk away for a few minutes before trying again.

9. Continue until you can open the door without the dog rushing out the door. 

10. When your dog has successfully waited for you to open the door, say the word “OK” or “Free” to let your dog know that it is okay to approach the bowl.

Be patient! It sounds complicated, but it’s really quite easy to do.

WOW! Look how far your dog has come! We’ve got just one more “wait” cue to learn next week – how to wait while you load groceries into your vehicle.

Happy training!

Sharon of Personable Pets