How to Stop a Dog from Running Out the Door

By Will Bangura, M.S., CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, (Dog Behaviorist), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant

Door-dashing, or how to stop a dog from running out the door, is a common problem for many pet owners. Dogs may run out the door for various reasons, such as excitement, fear, or curiosity. Whatever the reason, door dashing can be dangerous for dogs and pet owners alike. Fortunately, several training techniques can be used to stop a dog from running out the door. In severe situations, you may need to consult with a professional Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Dog Behaviorist, or trainer.

Reasons Why Dogs Run Out the Door There are several reasons why dogs may run out the door, including:

• Excitement: Dogs may become overly excited when they see the door open, especially if they associate it with going for a walk or playing outside.
• Fear: Dogs may run out the door because they fear something in the house, such as a vacuum cleaner or a thunderstorm.
• Curiosity: Dogs may run out the door because they are curious about the world outside and want to explore.
• Poor leash training: Dogs that have not been properly trained on a leash may run out the door when they see the opportunity to escape.

Positive Reinforcement Clicker Training

The clicker training technique uses a clicker and treats to reinforce desired behaviors.

Steps to Stop a Dog from Running Out the Door using Positive Reinforcement Clicker Training:

• Purchase a clicker and a bag of treats.
• Start by training the dog to associate the clicker’s sound with a treat.
• When the dog can associate the clicker’s sound with a treat, start training the dog to sit and stay near the door.
• Reinforce the dog with treats and the sound of the clicker every time it stays near the door.
• Gradually increase the distance that the dog must stay away from the door before getting a treat or reinforcement.
• Repeat the process until the dog stays near the door, even when the door is open.
• Practice with other people and visitors to help the dog learn that running out the door is unacceptable in any situation.

Differential Reinforcement

Differential reinforcement is a technique that involves reinforcing the desired behavior and ignoring the undesired behavior.

Steps to Stop a Dog from Running Out the Door using Differential Reinforcement:

• Train the dog to sit and stay near the door.
• Reinforce the dog for sitting and staying near the door.
• Ignore the door-dashing behavior.
• Wait for the door-dashing behavior to stop.
• Reinforce the dog for staying near the door.
• Repeat the process until the dog stays near the door, even when the door is open.
• Practice with other people and visitors to help the dog learn that running out the door is unacceptable in any situation.

Negative Punishment

Negative punishment is a technique that involves removing something the dog wants to decrease the frequency of undesired behavior.

Steps to Stop a Dog from Running Out the Door using Negative Punishment:

• Train the dog to sit and stay near the door.
• Reinforce the dog for sitting and staying near the door.
• When the dog tries to run out the door, immediately stop it and return it to the sitting position.
• Remove the attention, treats, or reinforcement the dog received for a few minutes.
• Reinforce the dog for sitting and staying near the door.
• Repeat the process until the dog stays near the door, even when the door is open.
• Practice with other people and visitors to help the dog learn that running out the door is unacceptable in any situation.
  

  Extinction

  Extinction is a technique that involves ignoring the undesired behavior until it stops.

  Steps to Stop a Dog from Running Out the Door using Extinction:

• Train the dog to sit and stay near the door.
• Reinforce the dog for sitting and staying near the door.
• Ignore the door-dashing behavior.
• Wait for the door-dashing behavior to stop.
• Reinforce the dog for staying near the door.
• Repeat the process until the dog stays near the door, even when the door is open.
• Practice with other people and visitors to help the dog learn that running out the door is unacceptable in any situation.

• Conclusion Door dashing is a common problem for many pet owners, but it can be prevented with the proper training techniques. Positive reinforcement clicker training, differential reinforcement, negative punishment, and extinction are all effective ways to stop a dog from running out the door. With patience and consistency, pet owners can teach their dogs to stay near the door and avoid door dashing.

References:

1. Association of Pet Dog Trainers. (n.d.). Differential Reinforcement. Retrieved from https://apdt.com/pet-owners/training-tips/differential-reinforcement/
2. American Kennel Club. (2021). How to Stop Your Dog from Running Out the Door. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-stop-your-dog-from-running-out-the-door/
3. Animal Behavior College. (n.d.). Positive Reinforcement. Retrieved from https://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/positive-reinforcement/
4. Pet Professional Guild. (n.d.). Extinction. Retrieved from https://petprofessionalguild.com/extinction