I live in an Apt that has indoor hallways & stairs also. Even though Yazmin is very good at the "Sit and Stay" command inside my doorway while I step out into the hall to open the main community door to check my mail, all that training goes out the window when a human is at the main door!
Last Fall I had a $6.00 chicken dinner delivered that ended up costing me a $20.00 bill because Yazi did not sit and stay as I was sure she would!
While I was handing the delivery man my money, She snuck right past me and out on my porch to greet him. Well since he paid no attention to her, she ran off the porch and out onto my side walk.
I was so terrified and could see the fear in her eyes also because she's never been out without a leash. Even though I tried to stay calm and called to her using commands, "Yazi Come", "Do you want a treat?", etc., nothing I said to her was sinking in because I could see she was so scared!
In the mean time I was begging the delivery man to please help me catch her but he kept yelling to me that he had to leave. I just told him to go, so he left the $6.00 chicken dinner and took my $20.00 bill with him! "Jerk"!
As Yazi was darting in and out of the street, she spotted a couple with a German Shepard and of course went straight for the dog!
I was finally able to grab her and get her back in my Apartment but Yazi and I were both so terrified after that whole ordeal, she couldn't quit shaking and needless to say I was too upset to eat the $20.00 chicken dinner! Lol.
It may sound kinda funny now but I can tell you I was so upset that on line ordering a 2nd. Gate for my entrance door that evening!
I already had a gate to block off my kitchen and immediately took it down and installed it on the front door that night!
I'm sorry for rambling on and on but the "Horriable thoughts and Images" that went through my head for days of what could have happened to Yazi that night still gives me cold chills. She could've paid with her life because I trusted that she was so well trained!
I know we all do our best to train our babies with a lot of hard work but it's very easy for me now to say the old saying,
"Never say Never" because Yazi proved me wrong! I would have
NEVER thought she wouldn't have "Sit and Stayed" that day just to get her treat!
I'm so sorry the family's friend lost their baby in such a tragic way and I also wonder if it could've been prevented if there had simply been a gate.
I now have this Gate attached to my Apt. door leading out to the hallway and one blocking my kitchen. I like they fact they're very simple to install and open easily. The locking feature is nice also incase you have children around.
Carlson 0930PW Extra Wide Walk through Metal Gate with Pet Door - Walmart.com
Here's a great video showing the gate on uTube also.