Thanks everyone. I am so proud of Lexi too.
I started the training when she was calm and started with having her on the leash right next to me and saying "stay" before opening the door slowly. She already knows stay, but doesn't always listen. When she would pull towards the door, I would shut the door and pull her back and say "stay" again. I did this until she stay as I kept the door open.
The second step was attaching a 10 foot tie-out that we use in the front yard b/c it was the longest thing I had. I didn't hold the other end, but with her next to me I said "stay" and slowly opened the door. When he tried to run out and quickly grabbed the tie-out and pulled her back in a said "no." I repeated this until she stayed with the door wide open. I did this because I wanted her to have a chance to make a "mistake" without being in danger so I could show her that running out is bad. And of course gave her a treat when she stayed with the door open.
I then practiced though out the day without a leash. I would just say "stay" no matter where she was in the house. Then as I opened the door I would watch her carefully to make sure she wouldn't run towards the door. She would just walk close enough to see me, but would not even come to the door. We'll see if this continues tomorrow! |