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Doorway manners: polite sit and wait
Members only
This resource is a special perk for our members. To join us, first is to book one of our services. If you’re already a member, log in to enjoy full access.
This game teaches your dog super polite doorway manners, helping them to calmly sit and wait before going through any door. It’s fantastic for building their self-control and focus, making entrances and exits a breeze. You’ll love the calm and controlled energy, ensuring safety and good habits for every doorway!
With practice this will help you achieve:
- Calmly exiting the front door
- No dashing through open gates
- Polite greetings for visitors
What you'll need
- Their regular lead (essential for safety at the front door!)
- Some super yummy high-value treats (small and easy to eat)
- A doorway in your home (any door will do to start!)
Step-by-step
- Ask for a sit and wait: Ask your dog for a sit a little distance from the door. Hold their lead if doing this with the front door for safety.
- Touch the door handle: While they are sitting, simply put your hand on the door handle. If they stay in their sit, say “good” and reward them in position.
- Open slightly: Once they’re good with you touching the handle, open the door just a tiny crack. If they hold their sit, “good” and reward them in position. Close the door gently.
- Gradual opening: Slowly start opening the door wider and wider, always rewarding them for holding their sit as you do so. If they get up, calmly close the door and start again. Make it easier next time.
- Step through (and back): Eventually, you can step through the doorway yourself, then step back, rewarding them for maintaining their sit.
- Introduce the release: Once they’re a pro, open the door fully and use a happy release cue like “Okay!” to let them go through.
Top tips for success
- Use a lead at the front door to keep your dog safe while training.
- Your rewards need to be really motivating to make holding that sit super appealing.
- If your dog breaks their sit, calmly close the door and reset. Make it slightly easier next time to achieve wins.
- Always remember to release your dog with a clear cue when the game is done.
Members only
This resource is a special perk for our members. To join us, first is to book one of our services. If you’re already a member, log in to enjoy full access.
Stop the doorway dash!
The doorbell rings and the chaos begins, right? Juggling leads, guests, and a super-excited dog at the door is a real skill! If you'd love to bring some calm to these moments and teach your dog polite, safe doorway manners, I'm based in Epsom and I'd love to help. A fun, personalised One-to-One session can make all the difference.
