[Mackenzie’s Admin]

When I go to take my dog outside he charges past me through the door. What can I do so he waits for me to go first?

Acquisition:

Sit at The Door:
1. Take your dog to the door.
2. Cue him/her to sit or a down.
3. Mark it and feed it ( Say Yes and treat the dog.)

Work on sit, down and stay in this area.

Approximation:

1. The dog is sitting near the door on a leash. Do not hold the leash, just step on it.
2. Reach for the door knob.
3. Based on the dog’s behavior, provide feedback as outlined below:
• Watch the dog closely. If he/she begins to move, even a little bit, halt your reach, immediately give her/him a NRM and remind her/him what she/he is supposed to be doing: “sit.” This is the best way to get the BEST learning curve on the behavior – by noticing and correcting Intention Behavior the dog shows BEFORE she/he is even all the way up yet. Being proactive about giving your dog feedback about Intention Behavior most effectively relays information to your dog about what you want.
• If your timing is slow and the dog does get up, use a NRM and replace your dog into a sit position mechanically in the following manner: gently pull up on your dog’s collar while gently touching the top of the buttocks, until the dog sits. Ignore all the tantrums, and maintain your position. Do not say another word.

Upon sitting, immediately release the pressure on the collar and buttocks and mark it. The first few times the dog sits, even with help, as above, treat and mark.

After the first few times, if your dog breaks the sit, just reposition her/him into a sit with no treat, only the RM. At this point, provide a treat only if the dog repositions themselves with no help from you; either verbal or physical; or if the dog gets it right the first time.

• If your dog remains seated, Mark It and Feed it. Nail the first correct effort with extra recognition in the following manner. Use a calm voice and calm steady movements to help your dog remain calm and in position as you reinforce him/her; “yes” – treat – no pause and repeat six or seven times.

For the first correct efforts and big achievements, deliver six or seven pieces of food individually in this manner. Important: Do NOT get all excited yourself, and begin to jump up and down and pet the dog excitingly. You are trying to promote calm behavior near the door, not aroused behavior.

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