Pro tip: My dog's door wait training improved our outings
Honestly, I realized that a simple pause at doors prevents bolting. Tbh, I used a high-value treat and a firm 'wait' command each time. After consistent practice, he now stops on his own. Our walks start much smoother because of this.
So when you say mixing up the treats kept him more interested, @mary_hernandez, how often did you switch it up? I'm worried about my dog getting bored if I use the same thing every time, but I also don't want to overcomplicate it. Finding that balance seems key for the training to stick.
Absolutely, door training made a huge difference for my lab too. I started by making him sit before every door opening. Using a treat right at the threshold made the wait command stick. It took a few weeks of daily practice, but now he pauses without being told. I found that mixing up the treats kept him more interested. This small step really does set the tone for a calm walk.
My beagle mix got the hang of it in about a week. I used little pieces of boiled chicken at the back door. It made leaving for the park way less chaotic.