Training your dog to walk nicely through doorways

Training your dog to walk nicely through doorways is an important skill to ensure safety and prevent chaos. It can be frustrating when your furry friend rushes through doorways, dragging you along or bolting out into the great wide world. However, with some patience and consistent training, you can teach your dog to walk calmly through doorways. Here are some simple steps to help you achieve that.

1. Start by teaching your dog the basic commands of “sit” and “stay.” These commands will form the foundation for training them to walk nicely through doorways.

2. Begin the training process in a quiet and distraction-free environment. This will help your dog focus and understand the lesson better.

3. Stand in front of a doorway with your dog on a leash. Hold the leash firmly but not too tightly.

4. Give the command “sit” and gently guide your dog into a sitting position. Be patient and repeat the command as needed.

5. Once your dog is sitting, give the command “stay” and take a step back. If they start to get up, calmly guide them back into a sitting position and repeat the command.

6. Slowly move toward the doorway while maintaining eye contact with your dog. If they remain in the sitting position, reward them with praise and a treat.

7. If your dog breaks the “stay” command and tries to rush through the doorway, calmly say “no” and guide them back to their original position. Repeat the “stay” command and try again.

8. Gradually increase the difficulty by adding distractions near the doorway. This could include toys, treats, or other people. The goal is to teach your dog to remain focused and calm despite the distractions.

9. Practice the training exercise regularly, gradually moving to different doorways in various environments. This will help your dog generalize the behavior and understand that the rules apply regardless of the location.

10. As your dog becomes more proficient at walking calmly through doorways, gradually reduce the frequency of treats but continue to provide verbal praise and affection as rewards.

Remember, consistency and patience are key when training your dog. Each dog learns at their own pace, so be sure to adjust the training accordingly. With time and practice, your dog will learn to walk nicely through doorways, making your daily walks more enjoyable and stress-free.

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