Quote:
Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1  
I may could go with a "door spot" area, which is all the way across the room, away from the door....that way, he is more focused on the large image coming inside the door, rather than looking past that image, seeing that squirrel under the tree out front, grabbing up an acorn, and dashing off!!! |
Yes, Tibbe can't actually see outside at all from his "door spot" so he just focuses on his trick of "stay", watching Mommie and the person(s) who might or might not be coming in now. So we were able to redirect his dashing to the door and trying to force himself out it - and did on several occasions as I was greeting the person(s) there - to that of having a new job to do when the doorbell rings. His job is hear the sound, go to his "door spot", lie down and wait for his "release" cue. I think he thinks of it as a game as he's so very happy doing it, and he almost levitates off the floor as he's lying there waiting, panting, excited. Once he hears the word "release", he's thrilled as he gets a lovely praise, lots of stroking and usually a treat for his huge achievement. And if the visitor(s) come inside, that is the ultimate reward. That's what he really wants - the attention of the people! As he was so very wild when I got him and has such an unbelievable prey drive, I believe his progress to be nothing short of phenomenal. But it's been over 4 years in the making!!! I'd worked with him 2 years on obedience and behavior modification before I ever really tried to stop his door darting due to his early life and problems it caused him. He had absolutely no impulse control and had many fears. Of course many of those sessions were far between due to my orthopedic problems but we eventually got there! Of course, being the only dog, it makes it tons easier.
