Dog trainer warns all owners need to know this 'most important lesson'

Wales Online

20-05-2025

Dog trainer says all owners need to know this one 'important lesson'
Adam has shared a 'life-saving' lesson on TikTok that he believes all pets and their owners should master to avoid disaster
It's up to the owner to teach dogs how to behave around an open door
(Image: undefined via Getty Images )
Every dog owner is familiar with the common problem of their pets dashing through open doors at any given opportunity. While this might be harmless if it leads to a secure a back garden, dogs that do not learn to respect these boundaries could potentially escape into a much more dangerous situation.
An unattended front door or side gate could lead to serious issues, such as the dog getting lost or running onto a busy road. Adam Spivey from Southend Dog Training shared a crucial lesson on TikTok that he believes every dog should be taught, as it could prevent an accident and potentially save their life.
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The issue of dogs bolting out of doors is nothing new, often due to a mix of natural instincts, inadequate training and environmental factors. Dogs are naturally inquisitive creatures who relish exploring and the great outdoors can provide an exciting playground for them.
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Certain breeds have a strong prey drive, while others may be motivated by excitement or simply boredom. However, Adam suggests there's a straightforward method to teach your dog not to view every open door as an invitation to bolt, reports the Mirror.
In his video, Adam explained: "The downside to using safety gates, shutting [the dog] in another room and things like that is all it takes is that momentary lapse of judgement. Because you've never taught the dog what the threshold is, the dog goes darting out - it sees freedom."
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He showed that when his own dog was sitting in front of a door as it opened, the pup's anticipation and excitement grew. He explained: "Pulling on a lead [or collar] only creates panic and frustration, and he'll react to whoever is outside the door."
Adam then simply used his body to create space between the dog and the threshold. The technique allowed him to open the door without the dog reacting.
Teaching your dog what is right and wrong will take time, patience, and dedication. Nothing is an overnight process, and it could take time before the dog understands the preferred behaviour.
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Dogs escaping through an open door could lead to serious problems
(Image: Getty )
To aid your training efforts, first mastering basic commands such as 'stay' and 'come here' can be crucial for those unpredictable moments. Introducing 'wait' as a command could also be beneficial in teaching your dog to stop before approaching an open doorway.
The best reward is lots of positive reinforcement, like praise and treats, to reward behaviour aligning with your expectations, such as resisting the urge to bolt through an open door. You could start desensitising your dog to the presence of a door by opening it slowly and providing treats for its calmness.
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Sticking to regular training along with positive reinforcement will help your dog learn and obey your commands. Avoid using harsh punishments, as they can damage your bond with your pet and may not effectively change their behaviour as you intend.
Almost all pet owners want to ensure their dog's safety around doors leading outside. Before you start training, make sure your garden is secure, leaving no opportunity for your dog to escape through unattended gates or fence breaches.