Dog Training Tip of August: Door Dashing Solution
Does your dog zoom out the door the second it opens? Do you end up chasing them down the street in a game of “Catch me if you can”?
Door dashing isn’t just frustrating—it’s dangerous. A loose dog could run into traffic, approach people who don’t want to be greeted, or chase after wildlife until they’re lost and far from home.
It’s stressful trying to block your dog while juggling your own exit, but the good news is this issue can be fixed with some fun, simple training steps.
Why It Matters
Teaching your dog to wait calmly at the door has many benefits:
- Prevents dangerous escapes
- Teaches self-control (which carries over into other commands)
- Stops dogs from dragging you out the door at the start of a walk
Step-by-Step Training
1. Start Small
Begin with a closed door. Have your dog sit nearby.
2. Introduce a Cue
Choose a word such as “wait” or “stay.” Use it consistently for this exercise.
3. Open the Door Slightly
If your dog stays calm and seated, reward them with a treat. Gradually open the door a crack and reward again if they remain still.
4. Increase the Challenge
Slowly open the door wider over time, rewarding calm behavior until it’s fully open.
5. Be Consistent
If your dog breaks position, quickly close the door and try again. To prevent accidents, always practice with your dog on a lead at first.
Common Mistakes
🚫 No Safety Measures in Place
Until your dog is reliable, use back-up safety steps:
- Keep a lead by the door and clip it on before opening.
- Use a baby gate near the entrance to keep your dog contained.
🚫 Giving Up Too Soon
This exercise takes patience—especially if your dog gets excited just from you reaching for the handle. Stick with it!
🚫 Practicing with Multiple Dogs at Once
Competition can make dogs rush. Train each dog separately first before practicing together.
Top Tips
✅ Use Other Doors First
Practice with a less “exciting” door before working on your main entrance.
✅ Strengthen Recall
Accidents happen. A solid recall ensures you can bring your pup back quickly.
✅ Build It Into Walks
Have your dog “wait” before every walk. Over time, it will become part of your routine.
✅ Add Distractions
Start easy, then practice when the doorbell rings or people walk by, so your dog learns to stay calm in real-life situations.
Door dashing is stressful, but with consistency your dog can learn to stay calm and safe around doors.
If you’d like hands-on help teaching these skills, I offer training sessions across Chelmsford and the surrounding areas. To find out more, click the link below:
Let's Bork 