[mycutieduncan]

training is the key!

Originally Posted by megansmomma

I trained my 3 to only use the BACK DOOR to go outside. It is NEVER allowed for them to go out the front door of the house for any reason. It is the same with the car~they do into the car on the back passanger side and out of the car on the driver side.

You need to incorperate this into the sit-stay and never allowing them to go out the door ahead of you. It is all consistance and training.

When I first brought Pebbles home when she was 5 months old she dashed out the back gate, front door, back door you name it. My son opened the door for the UPS man and out she went. He's was chasing her around the front yard with the neighbor trying to catch her and he was NOT happy! I knew this was so very very dangerous and began working with her immediatley.

Now they are only allowed outside from one door and I no longer have to worry about opening the gate either. They just stay right inside the gate and he can come and go without worry.

I would suggest in the beginning to use a harness and leash when you open the door. Have someone help you by coming to the door and when you open the door to let them into the house, STEP ON THE LEASH so there is no danger of her running out. Tell her to sit-stay give treat. Open the door while stepping on the leash and if she stands correct her. Make her sit again. Use this technique until you are sure that she is following your directing. Then you can move on to not stepping on the end of the leash when you open the door.

I would suggest not using the baby gate as suggested in some of the other posts. It was very effective to use this technique and there was no danger of anyone being hurt trying to climb over a gate either.

If you are able to accomplish this you will never have to worry about opening any door and having a pup that will dart out for you.

There have been far too many stories on YT to not make this a top priority in training.