10/24/2024
Hey, dog lovers! Just wanted to share a quick video. Often, our dog comes right out of the crate as soon as the door is opened. I suggest trying this common technique of opening the door partially, but not letting you pup out until they are waiting calmly, and get a cue to be released.
As she tries to come out, I close the door slightly, and as she settles further from the door, I open it again. So it’s not the physical barrier of the door keeping her in, but the learned self-control. Once she is calmly waiting, I use a release command (‘OK’ or ‘Break’ to invite her out
A few nuances :
1) Notice as she sits, the back legs are off to the side. This can indicate being more settled, or perhaps willing to wait. If your dog is planning to make a move, their paws will likely be firmly planted underneath them.
2) She yawns at two points. First, when she sits back away from the door, and then again after I grab the leash. Yawning is a sign of stress or anxiety, but this limitation should not be confused with being cruel. Keep in mind, we are asking her to do something she would not naturally do. This is an example of a healthy stress, like learning a new skill or taking a test. We are teaching them to wait patiently, and also to associate coming out of the crate with calm submissive energy.
3) Towards the end, I lower myself down, which would naturally entice her to come towards me, but her self-control keeps her in a sit position, and she begins to calmly sniff. This body language is showing me the energy I’m looking for, and I reward it with a release command.
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