First and foremost, try to "train" the kids to be really careful and watch for the dog when they're opening the door. Not only could the dog run out, but the door could easily get closed on him. Also, the dog needs to learn not to go outside until you say it's okay. I would see if I could get a gate to work at the door in the meantime.

Thanks everyone:) Lots of good advice. I did buy a baby gate yesterday and put it up. Puppy classes start on the 29th, and I'm talking to the kids about it. :aimeeyork

Good luck! You sound like a great Yorkie, and kid, mama!

Well, a baby gate is OK but the dog still needs to learn not to run out/off not just be prevented.

Here is what we did-with more than one dog over the years.

This takes several people as you want to make certain the dog cannot get hurt. Have a few positioned around the perimeter of the yard so the dog cannot get to the street or have the dog on a long leash when you try this.


Give the stay command as you open the door. If the dog runs out the door anyway, have some one positioned right outside the door hiding with a bucket of water-the minute the dog leaves the house say NO and the dog gets drenched. The dog will no doubt be shocked and stop whereby you scoop the doggie up and put them back in the house. You might have a couple of towels ready!!!

It usually does not take long before the stay command seems like a real good idea to them.

This does not hurt the puppy,and actually a bucket is probably not needed for a Yorkie-I think we used a large 44 oz cup, but the point is they don't like it and will stop if this happens everytime they leave the house.

We can safely open the door and let people in or out now and Lacey does not even think of running out-our other dogs were that way too.

any good sights for clicker training for puppies? When should you start clicker traiing with a puppy? My daughter does clicker training with her horse, it is amazing...

Great. It sounds like you're on the right track. So many of these little guys have gotten lost or hit by a car from just such a thing. I don't think You can ever trust them completely.

Well, I did talk to the trainer b/c the class doesn't start till the 29th. She suggested something similar too because although she uses positive reinforcement, in this case his life is in danger and it calls for drastic action. She said to try water and/or a loud noise. One of the other forums discussed a metal bowl and spoon, so I thought I'd try that too. My plan is to have the neighbor hide outside with the garden hose on a light spray (my husband said if the water was too strong it would blow him back into the house because he only weighs about 3.3 pounds!) while my husband makes sure no cars are coming and we'll have the kids hold the door open.

You need to do something before something tragic happens. You wouldn't want the kids to witness their dog getting ran over by a car. It's very traumatizing to kids. I agree, train that dog before it's too late.