A dog bolting out of the door usually the front is a very natural but dangerous habit. If your dog bolts out of the front door and tries to maneuver family members at other doors as well, then he is risking your safety. He may knock you down or others in the house while you carry your hot coffee to the table. You need obedience training for dogs and not just give your dog freedom to bolt out which puts the dog in danger too.
Your dog does not know it but he might get hit by a car, knock down children and objects on the path, get encounter with other animals, or get lost. A dog cannot make the connection between bolting out and the hurt or pain he got from it when he gets another chance to run off through the door. When you allow your dog to bolt out, he gets the bad behavior of ignoring his owner because the experience outside gives freedom and is very rewarding.
Who should teach your dog to stop bolting out?
To prevent your dog from bolting out, all family members and visitors should know how to make the dog follow the simple command “STAY or SIT” when he is near open doors whether back, side or front doors. And all doors for that matter. Your dog must be trained to use the door safely for his sake so that he will not be at risk once he slips out fast. That means the dog can get out and enjoy the outdoor but it should be done with proper training.
How can you prevent your dog from bolting out?
It is easier to teach a dog when still a puppy but if your dog is older; it is still possible to teach him not to bolt out of the door. The first things a dog has to learn is to sit, stay, heel, down or come. This will initially teach your dog self control, to be attentive to your command and respect you as the leader of the pack. Without establishing authority it is impossible to make him behave.
You can do the next step after your dog has learned to follow the basic commands. Put on the leash and let the door wide open. Command him to STAY. If he tries to cross the threshold and make a move of bolting out, just say NO! Be sure to praise your dog or give a treat for displaying self control and obeying your command. You’ll be glad after a few days that he is responding.
As you see progress, you can let your door open and practice him with you watching a farther outside the door but using the same command as when you were with him inside the house near the door. You can gradually increase the distance. You can also use a very long lead outside in front of the house. Practice him with the COME and STAY command within the perimeter of your yard. This is a good way to train your dog to stay within your yard and to come when he is out.
A dog usually bolts out because he is not familiar with experiences out of your house. Be sure to spend plenty of time with him in front and around your property. If it is not such a rare experience he will not be so anxious to get out there. With obedience training for dogs, and all around careful responsibility, you and your dog can be safe even if you open your doors wide.
