Dog Training - Teaching The Wait Command

The one thing most dog owners find out when trying to teach their dog the wait command is that their pet simply does not want to wait. Dogs are easily distracted. They are energetic and not always very attentive. As a result, this one command can be challengint to teach because it involves him doing nothing.

Dogs don't take a long time to become restless, and as a result this command can be difficult to teach. Here's a technique that can help.

Start by putting your pet on a short leash and bring him to the door. The leash lets you control your pet easily when he doesn't respond to the command.

Now you should open the door just enough for you to slide through and go outside. Your dog is to stay inside, meaning you'll be on opposite sides of the door with just the least in between.

If your dog already understands the sit command you should use it here because a dog that is seated will have a tendency to be still longer than one standing up.

Step two is opening the door slowly and just a small amount. While doing this show the dog the palm of your hand (in the stop position) while telling him to wait. Chances are your pet will try to shove the door open and get out to see you. This is norman since he doesn't yet know the command.

Assuming this is the case and he tries to scramble to get through the door, the third step is for you to shut the door quickly as he moves to you. This stops him in his tracks. Go back to step and do it again. As you progress you may notice his actually staying put, if only for a second or two, when you open the door. That's OK. In fact that's great because progress is being made.

Once he understands the wait command and pauses, if only briefly, praise him lavisly and release him to come through the door with the okay command.

The fourth step is obvious, practice repeatedly, although not for too long at any one time. You pet will soon realize that if he stays put on the wait command you will soon allow him to go through the door.

Finally, once your pet understands doing this from the sit position, work on this some more while he is standing up. It will be a little harder but he will get it. Just be consistent and work on this routing every chance you get. With lots of praise and positive reinforcement it won't be long until he understands and responds to the command. It takes practice and patience, but the result is worth it. You won't have to worry about your pet sprinting out the door every time you open it.

Dog trainer Daniel Stevens has published a comprehensive dog training that we feel is one of the best on the market. It's called SitStayFetch and you can find out more by clicking here.

If you prefer your dog training lessons to be on video, then be sure to check out Dove Cresswell's Dog Training Online. You can even watch a free sample video to see if it's right for you. It's available here.

Either program will guide you on the path to a well behaved pet.