How to STOP a Dog From Running Out the Front Door | Pupford
You go to open the door, and your dog is right there, waiting to bolt out. You try to barely open the door and inch your way out without your dog making a run for it.
Learning how to stop your dog from running out the front door (or any door) is extremely important for their safety and your well-being!
In this video with Nicole Ellis, we will break down step by step how you can safely teach your dog to not run through open doors (like your front door) and run away.
CONNECT WITH NICOLE ELLIS CPDT-KA
Nicole is a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert, seen on Amazon’s The Pack. She focuses on helping you build a lasting relationship with your dog through training.
Her dogs (and horse) join in all her favorite adventures.
Be sure to check out her book, Working Like a Dog here!
Connect with Nicole on Instagram here.
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Connect with Nicole on her website here.
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VIDEO OF HOW TO STOP A DOG FROM RUNNING OUT THE FRONT DOOR
HOW TO KEEP A DOG FROM RUNNING OUT THE FRONT DOOR
While that video above is the best way to learn to keep your dog safe, we want to break it down for those who prefer to read! Here is how to stop your dog from running out the front door:
- Start with your pup on leash, a 6-foot dog leash is best
- Place an elevated platform near your door, an ottoman works great! You can do this without an elevated platform but having one will set you up for success and faster progress.
- Have your dog jump onto the platform and reward them for being up there. Practice this a few times.
- Open your door 1-2” and close it. Reward your dog for staying. If your dog jumps down, reset him or her, wait for your dog or puppy to calm down, and repeat until your dog stays.
- Open your door again but this time to 3”. Again, your dog should stay sitting, if they get up or jump off simply reset them, be patient, and try again.
- Continue to practice this and slowly open the door more and more.
- Eventually, you should be able to have the door all the way open and your dog staying - this will take multiple sessions and that’s okay.
- Next, give your dog a release word to tell your dog he or she can get up and go through the door with you, this could be ‘Okay!” Or 'Release.' whatever feels natural to you.
This takes patience and practice but can really help you feel more confident about your dog's safety. Remember to always use a leash!
🐶 Don't miss out! Sign up for our 100% free online class taught by Zak George, 30 Day Perfect Pup. Sign up here! 🐶
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR TRAINING A DOG NOT TO RUN AWAY OUT THE DOOR
When teaching this behavior:
- Always make sure you have a gate or x-pen up outside your dog so that your dog can't truly escape, or always have your dog on a leash (doing both is preferable)
- Using a stand or something elevated can help decrease your dog's desire to run through the door
- Eventually, you can remove the platform. But you also may find it helps with jumping on people at the door so it can be helpful to leave there. An ottoman or something sturdy works great!
- PRO TIP: Even when you aren't in a "training session", have your dog do a sit-stay whenever they walk through a door with you. Or, even a sit and "look at me" can work!
RECAP OF STOPPING A DOG FROM RUNNING OUT THE FRONT DOOR
Remember, teaching your dog to not run through open doors take practice and patience! Don't expect your dog to nail this behavior in just one session.
Over time, you can help to improve your dog's behavior.
And as a final reminder, ALWAYS practice this behavior with your dog on a leash!
Are you looking for more training help and tips? Be sure to sign up for our 100% free online class 30 Day Perfect Pup. Sign up here!
How have your helped teach your dog not to run out the front door? Tell us in the comments.
🐶 Don't miss out! Sign up for our 100% free online class taught by Zak George, 30 Day Perfect Pup. Sign up here! 🐶
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