Both of mine used to run out the door too untill my husband trained them to sit away from the door before we opened it. He learned this on the dog whisperer. When someones at the door they always bolt to it he tells them back and they move back away from the door and sit down. Then when they sit he opens up the door. Same thing when we are just opening the door. It didntt take long at all for him to train them to do that

She will not come to any treat, and I did buy the taller gate and playyard but this damn dog can jump it all.


I am going to get a long leash tonight. Thanks for the info, I hope it works.

i think its crate time and your door must be lock at all times and if its a screen dog you put a door stoper in the handle and do the training with the leash

we have a pad lock on our gate people HATE it but thats just tuff dont come to my house then you just have to wait til i open it
when austin was a baby i put a lotion bottle in the screen door so noone could open while he was loose

A couple of weeks ago, I went out to the car for something, and since Abbie stays right on my heels, she was out the door and at the street before I could even get off the porch! Trying not to panic her further by screeching, I just called and called to her. Hubby came out and his voice made her pause long enough for me to reach her before she darted off. I was soooooooo frightened, I shook for an hour. When we know we're going out the door now, we put Abbie in another room that can be closed off, or someone holds her.

As far as someone coming in unexpectedly, I've always made it a practice to keep my doors locked. Since we have speedy-Go-Puppy, now, this practice has paid off in that we have time to secure Abbie before the door is opened.

A couple of times Gizmo has shot off like that. I cannot run after him, so I get my keys and start the car, he comes running and jumps in. All I have to do is reach in and get him. :p

Does your type of x-pen have an available top for purchase? I have been shopping for an xpen and I want one with a removable top. Obviously the best solution is for your dog to learn not to bolt. I have that same problem with Mayze at times although, she has been pretty good about "stay" ing lately.

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

I don't know if this would be an option for you but we have our porch completely gated in. So if Sophie goes out she can't get off the porch. It works great for us. I actually prefer her to go on the porch when someone comes because she pees when she gets really excited.

I have a year old Yorkie and he loves nothing more than to dash out the door as soon as it is opened. One time he got away and landed in the elevator and on anther floor. How scary is that? This is my suggestion and what I do everytime I open the door....he knows that I will not open the door unless I pick him up. I hold him and answer the door every time someone knocks. The door is never left unlocked for someone to just walk in. That may not be an option for you but worth a try. He is now trained not to go out the door and knows that I will pick him up, which he loves, in order to see who is on the other side.

I am still working on this with my two. My trainer used this approch, too. He said if all else fails, keep a spray bottle with water near the front door. When the dog starts toward the door, spray him in the face with the water...only takes a couple of times, and then all you have to do is pick up the bottle and they stay back. Worth a try.

oops, I forgot...you have to say NO! Loudly and meaningfully when you spray the bottle.

This wouldn't work with Abbie. We've tried the water training route. She LOVES it! lol She's so stubborn, she'd drown before she obeyed! 'Course, I haven't tried a stream of water. Someone suggested that.

Might sound silly,but if you are really at your wits end,dont let family/friends just open your door and wander into your house.Ask them to knock and then you can pick your baby up and go answer the door?thats what i have to do

Sorry to start a thread and run, had to go for an emergency vet visit. My Candi got stung and had an allergic reaction. :(


Thanks everyone, for all your suggestions, I am going to be really busy working with her the next few weeks.You are all so helpful...

ohg! That is so scary! Do you know why she wants out so bad? Just curious.. I have no idea what to tell ya. Maybe you should ask your vet. They may know of something that you could do. Best of luck!