How To Prevent Bolting Out The Door

Bolting Out The Door

Criteria-  When you open the door your dog should not run out.  If you are leaving the house with your dog your dog should sit by the door, you open the door, walk out, then allow your dog to go out the door by saying ‘ok’.

Visual Que-  Door opens.

Train-

  1. Place your dog on leash by the door and either hold the leash or stand on the leash firmly but allowing slack on the leash.  There should be no tension on the leash.
  2. Put your hand on the door handle, if your dog does not move to anticipate running out reinforce your dog with love or treats.  If your dog moves  towards the door remove your hand and say ‘opps’ and try again.  Repeat until your dog does not anticipate the door opening.  You must have 5 or more successful approximations before moving to the next step.
  3. Put your hand on the door and open the door 2 inches. If your dog does not move to go out the door reinforce.  If your dog moves towards the door gently close the door and say ‘opps’ and try again.  Repeat until your dog does not anticipate the door opening.  You must have 5 or more successful approximations before moving to the next step.
  4. Slowly increase the distance you open the door.
  5. Once your dog allows you to open the door take one step out of the door leaving one foot in the house and one foot out the door.  If your dog does not move to out the door reinforce.  If your dog moves towards the door step back inside, gently close the door and say ‘opps’.
  6. Repeat step 5 slowly working your way out the door while your dog remains inside.  Remember to move through the steps slowly, do not go to the next step until your dog has succeeded 5 times or more in a row.
  7. Once you feel confident with your dog on leash repeat the steps without your dogs leash on.
  8. Invite a friend over, repeat the above steps with a friend outside your door.   You can also ask your dog to go to ‘their spot’ while you answer the door.

Helpful Tips

Never allow your dog to pull you out the door when you are leaving with them.   Train your dog to sit by the door when you open the door and not leave the door until you say ‘ok’.  Consistency is very important.

When first training this behavior leave a leash next to the door so you can put your dog on a leash to prevent them from running out.

Leave a tennis ball or small treats by the door.  If someone comes to the door toss the ball or treats away from the door for your dogs to get.

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