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Originally Posted by GizmosMommy  I just don't get it. He has a huge backyard that he can run freely around in yet as soon as the front door or garage door opens, out he goes. He doesn't understand "stay" so he'll just run and run and run. I don't know what to do anymore. |
Tucker used to bolt too. When he was a puppy he ran down the street more than once, giving me a heart attack! Now he is trained not to go out the door until I say "let's go". He is even off leash in the front yard and doesn't take off on me. It takes a LOT of time and patience but you can train him. Start with training him to listen to the command "STOP". You'll need someone to help you. Put him on a leash and have someone come to the front door and when you open it, hold the leash, stop him at the door and say, very firmly STOP. Praise and give him a treat. Once he does it without pulling on the lease, drop the leash on the floor, where you can step on it and repeat. It may take a couple of weeks to get him there, but if you are consistent it will happen. Now, before I open the door I will look at Tucker (eye contact is really important) and say stay and he will not run out the door.
The most important thing is that you need to train him to obey Stop, then you can use it at the door, in the yard, or any time he might be walking (or running) into danger.
Good luck!