3 Tips to Keep Your Dog from Running Out the Door

Does an open door signal to your dog “adventure time!”? Are you nervous your dog will dash out the door as soon as someone opens it? Do you find yourself locking your dog in a separate room whenever someone is on their way home to prevent them from escaping?

It’s terrifying and you might be wondering how you can stop it. Our professional dog trainers in Raleigh have put together our top tips to help keep your dog from running out the door.

Why Your Dog Might Be Running Out the Door

First, try to understand the “why” behind your dog dashing towards the door. There are a variety of reasons to think through:

• Lack of mental or physical exercise– is your dog restless, bark excessively, destroy things within your home, or show other signs of lack of physical and mental stimulation?
• Prey drive– is your dog searching, stalking, chasing, or biting at prey?
• Intact male dogs– is your male dog unneutered? Intact male dogs have an instinctual need to roam.
• Breed traits– some breeds, like Huskies, are more prone to wandering away from home. But, any dog— regardless of breed— might dash out the door if the opportunity arises.

Tip #1: Provide Many Safe Explorations Outdoors

If you think your dog is lacking in mental and physical exercise, give them a challenge with some structured activity.

Long walks can tire out the muscles, but teaching your dog to walk next to you and follow you will work them more mentally. Some dogs will need more mental stimulation, such as a puzzle board or learning a new trick, but teaching them to look to you for guidance will tire them out.

Tip #2: Train Your Dog the Appropriate Response to an Open Door

Dogs, like people, get better at what they practice. The more they successfully run out the door, the more likely they are to do it the next time. Instead, teach your dog what you would rather they do instead.

One of the best places to start your training is with the “sit and stay” command. Another good command, after getting “sit and stay” down is to create “invisible boundaries” that your dog cannot cross unless you give permission.

Tip #3: Create Strong Recall

Accidents happen and sometimes we need to prepare for them. If your dog escapes, having taught them reliable recall can help avoid the game of “catch me if you can” and bring them home faster.

Are you having trouble training your dog? Contact our professional team today to see what options you may have!