How to Train a Dog to Stop and Wait

When you have an enthusiastic dog who's always in a hurry to get anywhere and everywhere, it's a good idea to teach them the cue to stop and wait. This will reinforce you as the leader, which will encourage a very obedient dog in the household. An easy way to teach the stop and wait cue is to practice it in every doorway of your house. Use the doorways leading in and out to the yard as well as doorways into different rooms. You might enjoy the training and your dog will definitely enjoy the treats and positive attention he gets from you during the training process. Plus you'll have a dog that rushes ahead of you less, and pays more attention to you in the house, and on walks. Here's how!

Instructions

How to Train a Dog to Stop and Wait

1. Start in the doorway going outside. Take your dog to the door. Have him sit.

2. Hold your hand out in front of his nose in a "stop" sign, and say "Stop. Wait." Open the door slightly. The dog will stand up to go out. Close the door. Have him sit. Hold your hand out in a "stop" sign. Say "Wait."

3. Open the door again slightly. The dog may start to get up, and as he does, shut the door again, and have him sit. Say "Wait."

4. Open the door again. The dog will probably look at you. Open it a little wider, while saying "Wait." The dog will look at you. If he tries to get up, simply shut the door slightly, and have him sit again. Open the door again. The dog will wait until you say "Go," and signal him to go on out.Repeat every time you let your dog outside for a walk or into the yard.

5. You can train your dog to stop and wait in other doorways too, to get him to let you go in the doorway first. When you're approaching the doorway to your kitchen or bedroom and your dog is with you, bring some treats. When you get to the doorway, have him sit, stop and wait using the cues above. Walk into the room first, making him wait. When you're in, release him from the "wait" cue, and have him join you. Give him a treat when he does.