Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximo  Keep training, but also secure the dogs when you have visitors. Use xpens or baby gates to keep them away from the doors.
I thought my boys were trained not to bolt out the door, but Teddy bolted one day and chased the UPS truck down the street.  My dad was the one who opened the door. He wasn't very good about giving the "stay" command. Luckily I was returning home at the same time and saw Teddy running after the truck. I got out of the car and knelt down while calling him to me.
I put up baby gates that day. They aren't ideal but great exercise stepping over them, and they give me peace of mind. In terms of catching a loose dog, try not to chase. Keeping working on the commands come, stay, down, and stop. I used "stop" once when Max was headed for an open gate in our yard. I almost fell on top of him because I was surprised he obeyed.  |
Great advice
Hehe...Maximo, you're so funny (about how Max actually stopped and you didn't expect it). My previous dog had somehow gotten out of her leash during a walk once and I nearly had a heart attack trying to chase her down many blocks. She ran like she never ran before. It was the scariest experience I've ever had! So I can definitely relate!
Scottie also darted out the door whenever it opened. It was a big safety problem so I worked hard to train him out of it. This might work for you?
Using a long leash, I tied him to something inside the house (like the railing of the staircase) so that he could reach the front door, but not go through the door. I trained him daily to "stay" with the door open. I'd walk around him with the front door open and praise 'n tossed treats at him. I'd walk outside with the door open and praise 'n tossed treats at him.
Then, I worked this on him at the back door. Every door's different, so you have to do this for every door.
In a matter of time, he knew he was a "good boy" if he stayed inside the house. If yours has always had the urge to run away, it might take you longer. But if you do this 5 min every day, eventually you won't need to tie him down and he'll stay when the door is open. Keep the daily training without the long leash. If there's other people in your house, I'd get them to train with him as well.
Also, whenever we go out, I always walk out the door first. He knows to always follow behind so he never darts ahead of me.