Lexi' Mommy -
For some reason - my pup learned quickly to "stay back" when I answer the door. But - I still always make sure she is doing this everytime I answer the door.
To train her - I went toward the door to answer it --- but --- before I reached the door, I turned and placed her about five feet behind me. When she was where I wanted her to be, I told her to "sit" and "stay." Only with her sitting and staying did I move toward the door again. And, while doing so, I remained half turned toward her - completely focused on her "reminding her to "stay - stay - stay." (Then I stayed looking her straight in the eye, with my open hand outstretched toard her - firmly reminding her to "stay." as I'd moved toward the door again)
If she started toward me - I would turn and walk toward her and put her back where I wanted her to be. Again, I would tell her to "sit" and "stay."
Only when she finally stayed where I wanted her to be - did I open the door. And, even while doing this my attention remained totally focused on her reminding her to stay right where she was.
The moment when you have to stay completely focused on your dog and firm is when you actually put your hand on the door knob and when you start to open the door. This is when they "really want to bolt." Be especially firm and focused at ths time.
And - after going through this only a few times, she sits and stays where I want her to be when I open the door. She knows I'm not going to open the door until she does. And, she knows I'm going to put her back where I want her to be if she moves toward me.
*** Only a couple of minutes ago - I opened the front door to let my other dog in - and as I always do - I looked to see where my pup was. Well - this time, she was sitting way back (almost in another room) just watching me - almost 15 feet back. Good for her!
**** If what I typed makes sense - it is basically what I did to train my dog to stay put when I open the door. And, amazingly, she learned to do this very quickly.
But - my telling her to stay and making sure she does is something I continue to do every time I open the door.
Hope this helps -- Carol Jean |