Wait at the door
The most cost-effective rule: 10 seconds before every walk.
Waiting at the door is the simplest rule and the one that most changes a dog's general behaviour. Every door becomes a chance to practice self-control, and self-control is the most useful muscle in dog training.
What you get
- Prevents escapes through open doors
- Reduces excitement before the walk
- Trains self-control daily with no formal session
It's free training that happens 4 times a day.
Before you start
- · Knows sit
Materials
- · Leash
- · Patience
Step by step
- 1
Ask for sit at the door
Before opening the door, ask your dog to sit.
- 2
Only open if he's sitting
Start opening the door. If he stands: close it. If he stays: keep opening. Only fully open when he holds 5 seconds sitting with the door open.
- 3
Release word
When he holds with the door open, say "ok!" or "go!" and only then, walk time. The release IS the reward.
- 4
Generalize
Apply the same rule to the car door, garden gate, lift. Every door = a mini session.
Common mistakes
- Letting him bolt out "just this once"
- Repeating the cue 5 times instead of closing the door
If something isn't working
He stands the second you open
→ Open just 5 cm the first week. Increase opening width progressively.
Pro tips
- This rule can also generalize to the food bowl: he doesn't eat until he sits and hears the cue.
Deep dive
Waiting at the door before leaving is one of the most underrated habits in dog training. It turns every walk into a small self-control session and drastically reduces escape risk through poorly closed doors, especially in homes with children.
Other exercises in this level
Loose-leash walking
Possibly the most frustrating exercise of all. Also the one that improves your daily life the most.
Teach your dog to heel
The difference between not pulling and formal obedience.
Teach "leave it"
What separates a trained dog from a four-legged vacuum cleaner.
Teach drop it
When it's already in his mouth, what matters is that he lets go without a fight.
Teach shake / give paw
Everyone's favourite party trick.
Go to bed / crate
A safe place your dog goes to on cue when you need him there.