How to Teach Your Dog to Wait at Doorways
Does your dog bolt out the door the moment it opens? Whether they’re excited for a walk, eager to greet visitors, or chasing after a distraction, rushing through doorways can be dangerous. Teaching your dog to “wait” at doorways is an essential safety skill that helps prevent accidents, improves impulse control, and reinforces overall obedience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why this training matters, how to teach it step by step, and how to ensure long-term success.
Why Teaching “Wait” at Doorways is Essential for Safety
Doorway training isn’t just about manners—it’s a life-saving skill. Here’s why it’s important:
✔ Prevents running into traffic – A dog that bolts out an open door could end up in harm’s way.
✔ Stops excitement-induced escapes – If your dog gets overexcited when guests arrive, this command keeps them in check.
✔ Creates a calmer, more controlled mindset – Teaching patience at the door reinforces impulse control in other areas of training.
✔ Reduces stress for owners – No more worrying about your dog darting outside unexpectedly.
By training your dog to pause and wait for permission, you establish yourself as the leader and keep them safe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Training Your Dog to Wait at Doorways
This training requires patience and consistency. Follow these steps to teach your dog to wait at the door reliably.
Step 1: Set Up for Success
Start in a quiet, distraction-free environment with your dog on a leash. This will help you maintain control and prevent accidental escapes.
✔ Have treats or a reward handy.
✔ Choose a specific word for the command, such as “Wait.”
✔ Begin at an interior doorway before moving to outside doors.
Step 2: Establish the “Wait” Cue
- Stand in front of a closed door with your dog on a leash.
- Slowly open the door a few inches—if your dog tries to move forward, gently close it again.
- Say “Wait” and reward your dog for staying in place.
- Repeat this process, gradually opening the door wider each time until your dog remains still even when the door is fully open.
Step 3: Reinforce Waiting Before Walking Through
Once your dog consistently stops at the doorway, add duration before giving them permission to exit.
✔ Open the door and wait a few seconds before saying “OK” or “Let’s go.”
✔ If your dog moves before being released, close the door and restart.
✔ Gradually increase the waiting time as your dog gets better at holding the position.
Step 4: Practice at Different Doors and Situations
Once your dog masters waiting at a familiar door, practice in different locations to generalize the behavior:
✔ Front and back doors
✔ Car doors (to prevent jumping out unexpectedly)
✔ Gates and fenced areas
✔ Doors at friends’ houses or dog-friendly stores
The more environments your dog practices in, the more reliable their response will be.
How to Reinforce Impulse Control with Consistency
Teaching a strong “Wait” command isn’t just about one-time training—it’s about consistently reinforcing good behavior.
✔ Always give a clear release cue (like “OK” or “Come”) before allowing your dog to move.
✔ Use the command regularly—before crossing streets, entering buildings, or hopping out of the car.
✔ Reward patience—praise and treat your dog when they successfully wait.
By integrating doorway training into everyday life, your dog will develop strong impulse control in all situations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Training This Command
While teaching “Wait” is simple, many owners accidentally reinforce the wrong behavior. Here’s what to avoid:
🚫 Repeating the cue – Saying “Wait, wait, wait” weakens the command. Give it once and follow through.
🚫 Allowing inconsistency – If you sometimes let your dog rush through the door, they’ll never fully learn to wait. Be consistent.
🚫 Not using a release word – If your dog never hears “OK” or “Let’s go,” they won’t know when they’re allowed to move.
🚫 Skipping practice in real-life situations – Only training at home won’t prepare your dog for distractions outside.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your dog learns to wait every time, no matter the situation.
Want a Well-Mannered Pup? Our Trainers Can Help with Impulse Control!
If your dog struggles with impulse control or rushing out the door, professional training can make a huge difference. At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we specialize in obedience and impulse control training, helping dogs become calm, well-mannered companions.
📞 Call (406) 946-3037 or fill out the form below to schedule a FREE consultation today!
