Wait at Doorways

Prerequisite

Your dog should know how to sit on command.

It’s helpful if your dog knows “Touch”.

Tools

Pea sized treats your dog loves
Leash
Treat pouch
Clicker (or marker)

Training Environment

Train this at all outer doors, and at any interior doors where you would like for your dog to wait before entering.

Recommended Treat Position

Hand your dog treats where they are. Ideally, you won’t be asking for a sit each time you treat, so you want to try to treat in position so your dog doesn’t get up.

Steps

Count out ten treats. Put them in your treat pouch.
Leash your dog.
Position your dog near the door, but make sure they are not blocking the opening of the door or your access to it. Use your “touch” (if you have it trained) to put them into position.
If you need to, step on your dog’s leash. If the leash is slick and can slide under your shoe, tie a knot in it.
Ask your dog to sit.
Put your hand on the doorknob. Do not move it, and try not to make a noise.
If your dog stays in the sit, click (or mark) and treat.
If your dog gets up, spend a day or two practicing sit by the door, making sure to build up some time. Try again at the first part of the exercise.
Once your dog is comfortable with you touching the doorknob, wiggle it just a little.
If your dog continues to sit, click and treat.
Repeat this a few times until your dog is comfortable.
If at any point your dog starts to have trouble, go back to the last point where they were successful and practice more. Consider whether you can break the step between where they succeeded and where they failed into smaller steps.
Next turn the handle. Repeat until your dog is comfortable.
Next pull just slightly on the door. Try to only move it a millimeter or two.
Gradually open the door more and more.
Remember, if your dog has trouble, go back!
Continue working until the door is wide open.

Homework

Practice until the ten treats are gone.
Repeat this 3-4 times a day.
Work with one door until you succeed, and then go to the next door and start at the beginning again with the new doorway.

At the End of This Step

Your dog should remain sitting while you open the door where you are working.