Opening the front door only to have your furry friend sprint towards freedom can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. Door dashing is a common behavior among dogs. It’s driven by a combination of curiosity, excitement, and a desire to explore the world beyond the threshold.
Fortunately, with a bit of training and strategic measures, you can curb this behavior and create a safer environment for both your dog and your peace of mind. In this guide, we'll explore the reasons behind door dashing and effective methods to stop this behavior in its tracks.
Let’s get started!
3 Reasons Why They Dash Towards the Door
Before we share the precautionary measures with you, let’s first understand the root of the problem:
Curiosity and Exploration
Dogs are naturally curious creatures and the world outside the door holds an array of enticing scents, sounds, and sights. The desire to explore their surroundings can overpower their will to listen to their owners, which ultimately leads them to bolt out the moment the door cracks open. Understanding and addressing this curiosity is crucial to preventing door dashing.
Excitement and Anticipation
Dogs often associate the sound of the door opening with exciting events, such as walks or playtime. The sheer anticipation of a new adventure can trigger a burst of energy. Thus, causing your dog to dash towards the door in an attempt to join in the fun. Managing this excitement and redirecting their focus is key to breaking the door dashing habit.
Social and Territorial Instincts
Your furry pals also have strong territorial instincts. When they hear someone approaching or perceive an unfamiliar presence outside, they may feel compelled to investigate or protect their territory. This instinctual behavior can manifest as door dashing in an attempt to confront or greet the perceived threat. Recognizing and addressing these instincts can help prevent unwanted dashes towards the door.
How to Stop Your Dog From Door Dashing?
Here’s what you can do to stop your dog from door dashing:
Secure the Yards with Tall Gates
Investing in a sturdy and extra tall dog gate is a fundamental step in preventing door dashing. When you establish a physical barrier, you create a clear boundary that signals to your dog that certain areas are off-limits.
But to keep it effective, make sure the gate is appropriately installed and securely positioned to withstand any attempts to breach it. Reinforce this boundary with positive reinforcement and reward your dog when they stay within the designated area.
Space Isolation
Sometimes, the simplest solution is to limit your dog's access to the area near the door. Designate a specific space in your home where your dog can safely roam without being close to the entrance. This can be achieved using indoor gates or by closing doors to certain rooms.
The idea here is to minimize the opportunity for your dog to engage in door dashing behavior. Gradually expand their access as they exhibit more controlled behavior.
Make Use of a Leash
A leash can be a powerful tool in managing door dashing. Before opening the door, securely leash your dog, maintaining control and preventing any impulsive sprints. This practice instills discipline and reinforces the concept of waiting for permission.
But to see any real results, remember consistency is crucial. Over time, your dog will learn that the door only opens when they are calm and restrained. Overall, this will reduce the likelihood of dashing.
Create Happy Associations with Indoor
If your indoors are more enticing for the dog than the outdoors, they’re likely to stay indoors. So make your indoor space more appealing by creating positive associations.
Engage in enjoyable activities, such as playtime or treat-based training, indoors. This not only reinforces the idea that good things happen inside but also makes staying indoors more rewarding for your dog.
By enhancing the indoor experience, you naturally reduce the desire to dash towards the door
Make the Entryway a Boring Place
Transform the area around the door into a less enticing space for your dog. Avoid lavish attention or exciting activities when entering or leaving. Instead, keep arrivals and departures low-key.
And how does this help the situation? Well, when you make the entryway a less interesting environment, you reduce the stimulus that triggers door dashing behavior. Combine this with positive reinforcement for calm behavior in the designated area, gradually reshaping your dog's perception of the entrance.
Be Prepared to Deal with Escapes
No matter how vigilant you are, there may be instances where your dog manages to escape despite your best efforts to prevent door dashing. Here's what you should be ready for:
Identification
Ensure your dog has proper identification, such as a collar with an ID tag containing your contact information. Microchipping is an additional measure that can greatly increase the chances of a lost dog being reunited with its owner. Keep the microchip information up to date with your current contact details.
Emergency Recall Training
Train your dog to respond to a specific recall command, even in distracting or exciting situations. Regular practice in a controlled environment can enhance your dog's responsiveness. This makes it easier to call them back if they manage to escape.
Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit that includes items like your dog's favorite treats, a leash, and a familiar toy. Having these items on hand can make it easier to attract and secure your dog when they are on the loose. Treats and toys can serve as positive reinforcement to encourage them to return to you willingly.
Final Words
Now that you know how to stop your dog from door dashing, we hope it helps ease the stress on your nerves. Remember, if your dog is older, implementing these measures effectively will take some time. But if you have new pups, it will only take about 1-2 weeks to see a good change. Best of luck!
