Does your dog know what you mean when you tell them to “wait”?
This skill could, in an emergency, save your dog's life. Instead of having your dog bound out of the car when you go somewhere, how nice would it be to have them wait for your permission? The “Wait” command also comes in handy when your dog is being fed and if your dog is off leash with you on the trails.
To teach your dog to wait, stand with your leashed dog on one side of a closed gate or door. Find a safe area in your home so the dog can’t get into trouble if it runs by you. Approach the door with your dog, and start to open the door. Say “Wait”. If your dog starts to go through the opening, close the door. Don’t pull back on the leash. The leash is only there to keep the dog safe; leash control isn’t part of this training. Continue opening the door and using the “Wait” command until the dog doesn’t start to go when the door is opened. We want your dog to be successful, so at the beginning even a slight hesitation should be rewarded. Then say “OK!” in a happy voice, let your dog through the door, click (if you use a clicker) and treat.
Give lots of praise! Once the dog gets the idea, practice without the leash. After your dog has excellent success with this, try it in more tempting areas.
WAITING TO EXIT THE CAR
Start training in your closed garage, in your driveway or at another safe location. Open the car door just a little and ask your leashed dog to wait. Once you reach a point where you can open the door completely with the dog waiting nicely, take the leash in your hand. Say “OK!” and let the dog exit the car. Don’t let your dog think that picking up the leash means go. Your dog should wait until you give the “OK” command. Keep practicing and be consistent.
WAITING FOR FOOD
At mealtime, have your dog sit and give the “Wait” command. Put down the dog’s dish with just a few pieces of kibble in it. If your dog starts to go for the food, pick up the bowl quickly. Continue practicing this. It shouldn’t take your dog very long before it realizes that it’ll get all its food at once if it waits. Praise your dog for doing a good job waiting.
WAITING ON WALKS
Start practicing with your dog on a leash. As you are walking along, periodically give the “(Dog name) Wait!” command. If your dog hesitates, praise and treat. Continue walking and practicing until your dog waits nicely. If your dog has good recall, you can eventually try this without the leash.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Always make your dog wait if it could be dangerous for the dog to go ahead.
Do not try more challenging levels of “wait” until your dog is perfect with the current level.
When training, use lots of praise and yummy treats!
