When we bring home a new dog, there are many things we will need to teach them. They need to know how to walk on a leash, how to come when called, and how to stay when asked. It’s also important to teach the wait command and the boundaries they should not cross at our doors.
This critical lesson can help prevent incidents when guests come over, or we open the door to take a package off the porch. Though it may take a little effort, it’s time well spent for a lifetime of safety.
Watch this video from March 29 to see the easy steps for threshold training.
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This is an essential training tool that @work.smart.dog.tr is teaching young Hershey. She explained they are working on threshold training; he’s learning to sit at the door when it’s time to go out for a potty break rather than think it’s okay to bolt out, “An open door does not mean free for all.” So true.
Related: Trainer Shows Common Ways Pet Parents Confuse Dogs with Training Commands
Teaching threshold boundaries
With Hershey on his leash, she shows us that if he pulls out, she gently redirects him back inside. Then, they move a few steps back and start again. When she takes him to the door this time, she applies vertical pressure on his collar and asks him to sit. At this point, she rewards him for listening with his favorite treat. She keeps them in position and continues giving treats to show him this is the behavior that she wants to see. As he waits for her cue, she steps out of the door and calls him to follow, which he does.
Training a dog to wait vs. stay
The wait command differs from the stay command, as you are asking them to hold on a minute instead of instructing them to stay in one place. With the wait command, they can lie down, go to another room, or sit, as being released from wait means crossing over the threshold but not being locked into place. Although it is possible to keep dogs away from the door using gates or other means, it’s much more convenient to have them listen. If we take them to unknown places, we might not have a gate handy, so this command is essential. And for everyday tasks like bringing groceries inside, it can be a lot easier than tripping over baby gates. According to the AKC, teaching your dog to wait at doorways, is also a great way to impart impulse control.
This vital command can help us at the front and car doors. It’s a worthwhile training that pet parents can enjoy for years to come.
