Running out the front door issues - YorkieTalk.com Forums

BethPurk · 08-07-2008, 07:00 PM

Ok, everytime we open the front door, Sadie runs out of it. She doesnt just run out the front door and stay in the yard; she takes off down the street or into a neighbors yard. I know that its something I need to teach her not to do because she can get hit by a car (or get attacked by another dog or something) and thats why I'm here asking for advice on what to do about it. I know it seems like we could just be aware of her before opening the door, but thats easier said than done when you've got a 12-yr old and a 7-yr old and their friends coming and going all day long. So are there any suggestions on how to teach her to not just bolt out of the front door when its opened?? If its me going out, I can stop before I go out and tell her "No, Sadie" and she wont go out. Help!!

megansmomma · 08-07-2008, 07:07 PM

We had the same problem with Pebbles when we brought her home at 5 months. That first weekend she bolted out the front and back door and nearly gave me a heart attack since we are on a busy street. She ran like a nut job toward the street with everyone running behind her. Very scary!

This is how we fixed our problem.
1. We kept her leash on her all the time so we could catch her it necessary.
2. Every time we opened the door we did sit/stay treat.

It took a little work but she now sits whenever we open the door. FedEx, the pizza delivery guy, kids down the street, I no longer have to worry about her bolting. I also never let her out the door in front of me either. Hope this helps.

daylee · 08-07-2008, 07:18 PM

Can you put a baby gate in front of the door? We have a plastic exercise pen that comes apart, spread out in zig zag pattern so it blocks the opening on our front porch[large porch] so they can be on the porch but can't reach the steps like a gate. Or use lattice or something like that to block off the porch.Or you could make a gate. Good luck I know how scary it is when they get loose.And I don't think I could ever feel confident enough in training her to stay to not have some sort of barrier.I have been thinking about invisible fencing though.

MauiGirl · 08-07-2008, 08:17 PM

I'm having the same problem with Tiki, so I have a baby gate there. I plan to replace it soon with something a little shorter, so we can step over it but it will slow her down. These little buggers are fast!

BethPurk · 08-08-2008, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daylee

Can you put a baby gate in front of the door? We have a plastic exercise pen that comes apart, spread out in zig zag pattern so it blocks the opening on our front porch[large porch] so they can be on the porch but can't reach the steps like a gate. Or use lattice or something like that to block off the porch.Or you could make a gate. Good luck I know how scary it is when they get loose.And I don't think I could ever feel confident enough in training her to stay to not have some sort of barrier.I have been thinking about invisible fencing though.

Yes, I have one of those Xpens too. The only reason putting a gate is hard is because we've had the air on and if we put the gate in the doorway of the front door, we'd have to leave the front door open because it wont stay closed with a gate there. Im glad that my Yorkie isnt the only one doing this! She is SUPER FAST too and will usually come back to when the kids call her but NEVER for me! I like the leash idea and maybe we'll try that because atleast if she does get out, we can catch her easier! LOL!! When we had a dachshund, we bought one of those shock collars for her and it worked wonderfully! We didnt use it for the front door, but for going down the hallway. We didnt want him going down the hallway because he peed on everything down there (LOL) so the shock collar was put on and the device was plugged in in the hallway and he never crossed it until it got to where we didnt even need the shock collar anymore. He just wouldnt go! Im thinking of getting that for Sadie for the front door! Its the same idea to the invisible fencing.....Thanks guys!

xxmxaxrxyxx · 08-08-2008, 06:05 AM

talking about getting hit by a car...yesterday was the first day it was not too hot so I thought i would be nice and let MeiLing, Yoshi and Kioko go outside for a bit since they been couped up inside due to it be over 100 degrees everyday...well everyone had their harness on and was on a lease that extended 25 feet or so...well somehow MeiLing got out of her harness...and took off across the street...then a car happen to be coming down the street and MeiLing was too occupy to move...and i was screaming her name while holding the other 2...well the car attempted to go around right about the same time MeiLing decided she would like to run back...and my heart about dropped... i was so scared and worried...i dunno how this little girl can break out of any xpen, crate, kennel and harness...but from now on when i take her out i am going to be sure that she is limited inside an xpen to do her business...and right back in she goes...no more playtime for her outside...

YorkichonBella · 08-08-2008, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxmxaxrxyxx

talking about getting hit by a car...yesterday was the first day it was not too hot so I thought i would be nice and let MeiLing, Yoshi and Kioko go outside for a bit since they been couped up inside due to it be over 100 degrees everyday...well everyone had their harness on and was on a lease that extended 25 feet or so...well somehow MeiLing got out of her harness...and took off across the street...then a car happen to be coming down the street and MeiLing was too occupy to move...and i was screaming her name while holding the other 2...well the car attempted to go around right about the same time MeiLing decided she would like to run back...and my heart about dropped... i was so scared and worried...i dunno how this little girl can break out of any xpen, crate, kennel and harness...but from now on when i take her out i am going to be sure that she is limited inside an xpen to do her business...and right back in she goes...no more playtime for her outside...

oh, Wow, thank God she's ok. They are so fast & it's scary!!

xxmxaxrxyxx · 08-08-2008, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkichonBella

oh, Wow, thank God she's ok. They are so fast & it's scary!!

yes it is...i was shaking...so i guess i need to tighten the step in harness...because i rather have it tight then for something like that to happen again...and i don't know why cars even attempt to manuever around the dog know that the dog can dart off any second...

YorkichonBella · 08-08-2008, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BethPurk

Ok, everytime we open the front door, Sadie runs out of it. She doesnt just run out the front door and stay in the yard; she takes off down the street or into a neighbors yard. I know that its something I need to teach her not to do because she can get hit by a car (or get attacked by another dog or something) and thats why I'm here asking for advice on what to do about it. I know it seems like we could just be aware of her before opening the door, but thats easier said than done when you've got a 12-yr old and a 7-yr old and their friends coming and going all day long. So are there any suggestions on how to teach her to not just bolt out of the front door when its opened?? If its me going out, I can stop before I go out and tell her "No, Sadie" and she wont go out. Help!!

My daughter has this same Big Problem with hers. She bought a new townhouse which only had the one wooden front door. He got out probably half a doz times!

One day she/friend called & tried to catch him forever!! He's so fast

& would stop to look @her, but wouldn't come back. Her friend had gone back inside....my daughter was crying, didn't know what else to do....she was crying, screaming, til she went back inside to tell her friend "I've lost Cole....she was exhausted!! She left her front door open. Guess who came trotting inside when he couldn't see his Mommy in sight?? She was too happy to be MAD! BUT she has been working on this issue & I'm happy to report: she taught him on command when she's @the door to run back up the stairs away from the door. Well, on command to stay & in his frustration, I think, he would run back up the stairs. lol ps....Gran-ma-ma (that would be me

) purchased a glass door to go in front of the wooden door, just in case. It makes it easier for him not to get out. I wish you the best of luck with your little fast one!!

Timmy · 08-08-2008, 06:38 AM

I would place the xpen in front of your door sort of like half moon like that you're still able to open your door.

megansmomma · 08-08-2008, 07:00 AM

Just had 2 more thoughts since it is very scary when they run.

We NEVER take either of them out the front door. It's always in and out the back door no matter what. The same thing with the car. I only allow them to get out of the driver side passanger door.

I have a book about training that really helped and the author talks about letting the dog think it's making their decision and he trains on a leash and steps on it to stop them from going too far. Don't pull the leash or even touch it~just step on the end and have the kids open the door. It was very interesting and I was already doing some of this on my own and didn't even know it. When you open the door stand on the leash and say sit stay and give a treat if he doesn't bolt. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Try it and report back with the results. I guarantee it will work! It worked with Pebbles and when we brought her home she was a crazy, crazy, 5 month old rescue that had NO manner what so ever.

Lcristine · 08-08-2008, 07:19 AM

maybe you could put treats by the door, when the kids come in, they can give the treat so she will know she is gonna get one if she stays in.
You will also have them to grab fast if she gets out.
Koda ran out in a snow storm once, i wish i had a camera- he slid down the street!

xxmxaxrxyxx · 08-08-2008, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megansmomma

Just had 2 more thoughts since it is very scary when they run.

We NEVER take either of them out the front door. It's always in and out the back door no matter what. The same thing with the car. I only allow them to get out of the driver side passanger door.

I have a book about training that really helped and the author talks about letting the dog think it's making their decision and he trains on a leash and steps on it to stop them from going too far. Don't pull the leash or even touch it~just step on the end and have the kids open the door. It was very interesting and I was already doing some of this on my own and didn't even know it. When you open the door stand on the leash and say sit stay and give a treat if he doesn't bolt. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Try it and report back with the results. I guarantee it will work! It worked with Pebbles and when we brought her home she was a crazy, crazy, 5 month old rescue that had NO manner what so ever.

which book do you have?

megansmomma · 08-08-2008, 09:30 AM

Let the Dog Decide. It's really pretty good and works excellent for Pebbles. She was AWFUL when we got her and she is much better.

BethPurk · 08-08-2008, 03:57 PM

Thank you everyone!

We dont "let" her out the front door either but she escapes! I will try the leash idea.....Thanks again!

08-07-2008, 07:00 PM	#1
BethPurk Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Susanville, Ca, USA Posts: 160	Running out the front door issues Ok, everytime we open the front door, Sadie runs out of it. She doesnt just run out the front door and stay in the yard; she takes off down the street or into a neighbors yard. I know that its something I need to teach her not to do because she can get hit by a car (or get attacked by another dog or something) and thats why I'm here asking for advice on what to do about it. I know it seems like we could just be aware of her before opening the door, but thats easier said than done when you've got a 12-yr old and a 7-yr old and their friends coming and going all day long. So are there any suggestions on how to teach her to not just bolt out of the front door when its opened?? If its me going out, I can stop before I go out and tell her "No, Sadie" and she wont go out. Help!!

08-07-2008, 07:07 PM	#2
megansmomma Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S. W. Suburbs of Chicago, IL Posts: 12,235	We had the same problem with Pebbles when we brought her home at 5 months. That first weekend she bolted out the front and back door and nearly gave me a heart attack since we are on a busy street. She ran like a nut job toward the street with everyone running behind her. Very scary! This is how we fixed our problem. 1. We kept her leash on her all the time so we could catch her it necessary. 2. Every time we opened the door we did sit/stay treat. It took a little work but she now sits whenever we open the door. FedEx, the pizza delivery guy, kids down the street, I no longer have to worry about her bolting. I also never let her out the door in front of me either. Hope this helps. __________________ “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Mark Twain

08-07-2008, 08:17 PM	#4
MauiGirl Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maui, Hawaii Posts: 7,740	I'm having the same problem with Tiki, so I have a baby gate there. I plan to replace it soon with something a little shorter, so we can step over it but it will slow her down. These little buggers are fast! __________________ SANDY, MOM TO TIKI , KAYLA , KARLEE , R.I.P. MEIKA

08-08-2008, 06:05 AM	#6
xxmxaxrxyxx Missing Yoshi Everyday! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 15,110 Blog Entries: 3	talking about getting hit by a car...yesterday was the first day it was not too hot so I thought i would be nice and let MeiLing, Yoshi and Kioko go outside for a bit since they been couped up inside due to it be over 100 degrees everyday...well everyone had their harness on and was on a lease that extended 25 feet or so...well somehow MeiLing got out of her harness...and took off across the street...then a car happen to be coming down the street and MeiLing was too occupy to move...and i was screaming her name while holding the other 2...well the car attempted to go around right about the same time MeiLing decided she would like to run back...and my heart about dropped... i was so scared and worried...i dunno how this little girl can break out of any xpen, crate, kennel and harness...but from now on when i take her out i am going to be sure that she is limited inside an xpen to do her business...and right back in she goes...no more playtime for her outside... __________________ Yoshi Mei Ling Ting Ting Ting Ki Sun Hye Yukio Kioshi

08-08-2008, 07:00 AM	#11
megansmomma Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S. W. Suburbs of Chicago, IL Posts: 12,235	Just had 2 more thoughts since it is very scary when they run. We NEVER take either of them out the front door. It's always in and out the back door no matter what. The same thing with the car. I only allow them to get out of the driver side passanger door. I have a book about training that really helped and the author talks about letting the dog think it's making their decision and he trains on a leash and steps on it to stop them from going too far. Don't pull the leash or even touch it~just step on the end and have the kids open the door. It was very interesting and I was already doing some of this on my own and didn't even know it. When you open the door stand on the leash and say sit stay and give a treat if he doesn't bolt. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Try it and report back with the results. I guarantee it will work! It worked with Pebbles and when we brought her home she was a crazy, crazy, 5 month old rescue that had NO manner what so ever. __________________ “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Mark Twain

08-07-2008, 07:18 PM	#3
daylee YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: OHIO Posts: 379	Can you put a baby gate in front of the door? We have a plastic exercise pen that comes apart, spread out in zig zag pattern so it blocks the opening on our front porch[large porch] so they can be on the porch but can't reach the steps like a gate. Or use lattice or something like that to block off the porch.Or you could make a gate. Good luck I know how scary it is when they get loose.And I don't think I could ever feel confident enough in training her to stay to not have some sort of barrier.I have been thinking about invisible fencing though.

08-08-2008, 06:38 AM	#10
Timmy Mimi & Gabby too! Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Vineland, NJ Posts: 3,208	I would place the xpen in front of your door sort of like half moon like that you're still able to open your door.

08-08-2008, 07:19 AM	#12
Lcristine Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 56	maybe you could put treats by the door, when the kids come in, they can give the treat so she will know she is gonna get one if she stays in. You will also have them to grab fast if she gets out. Koda ran out in a snow storm once, i wish i had a camera- he slid down the street! __________________ Yorkie Planet Peace,LOVE and PUPPIES

08-08-2008, 09:30 AM	#14
megansmomma Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S. W. Suburbs of Chicago, IL Posts: 12,235	Let the Dog Decide. It's really pretty good and works excellent for Pebbles. She was AWFUL when we got her and she is much better. __________________ “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Mark Twain

08-08-2008, 03:57 PM	#15
BethPurk Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Susanville, Ca, USA Posts: 160	Thank you everyone! We dont "let" her out the front door either but she escapes! I will try the leash idea.....Thanks again!