10/12/2025
Here I am working with Codie. We have already conditioned her to leash pressure and she knows the meaning of our verbal markers
Yes- you did it, you’re free
Good - I like what you are doing, keep doing it
Nope - no reward marker
Codie caught on quickly, but if she were to break her sit when the door opens, I would simply close the door and start over. I may have to do this many times before my dog understands what I am asking for and that’s okay. Do not feel discouraged.
This seems like a simple exercise, but it has a huge impact on your dogs state of mind. Having your dog wait and check in with you in these moments, makes it easier for them to tune in with you when you start facing hard distractions outside.
When you begin teaching your dog to wait at thresholds, it is much easier to start teaching with a door that leads to another area inside the home - bedroom, office, etc. Sometimes going straight to the door that leads outside can be too much to soon since going outside is very exciting.
