Bolting
Bolting
1. Develop a strong sit-stay in the house at inside doors such as to the bedroom.
2. Step into the bedroom keeping the dog in a stay. Then call him to you across the door threshold.
3. Once the dog has a strong sit-stay in other rooms in the house, then move to having a strong sit-stay at the outside doors with the door closed.
4. When it’s time to practice with the door coming open, put the dog on a leash so he is easier to manage. Reach for the doorknob. If he moves, give a negative sound and move your hand back. Try this again. Keep doing this (it might take several days) until the dog remains seated while you reach for the door. Give treats when he stays seated.
5. Now actually start to open the door. Do the same thing as step 3. You may have to regress back to steps 2 and 3.
6. Once you can open the door, be prepared to physically block him from getting out if he tries to bolt out the door. You can also step on the leash to help out.
7. Continue rewarding sitting and waiting. This could take a long time, so be patient.
8. Some dogs may always have a tendency to bolt. Put fail safes in place so that the dog doesn’t get out.
