We had just parked at the dog park when a car parked right next to us. I wasn’t sure if they were also going to the dog park or the nearby tennis courts, so we waited to see what they were doing (I always make sure that it’s safe for my dog(s) and I before we exit the car anywhere).
The back gate of the SUV opened and 2 dogs came flying out of the back seat. They proceeded to run across the STREET and directly up to another dog who was leashed, while their mom ran after them, screaming frantically at the top of her lungs. Luckily, the dogs were safely captured (and leashed!) and nobody was injured but dang. That could have been so bad and that lady is lucky that her dogs didn’t get hit by a car AND that the dog they approached on leash didn’t freak out. Yikes.
Which brings me to my point of why I teach all dogs the important life skill of wait. Let me clear up any confusion between wait and stay because although similar in some aspects, they are not technically the same thing.
WAIT: temporary pause until human gives the all clear signal/release cue
Key point: temporary position with a release cue
STAY: remain in this position until I come back to get you/release you
Key point: longer term position with a release cue
Not only does teaching this build on impulse control and boundary training, but it is also a safety skill. Dogs do not (nor will they ever) understand the concept of waiting (unless we teach them) or the concept of moving cars. We can’t ask them to look both ways beofre crossing the street or not run out the front door if it’s open.
I ALWAYS teach a wait cue in the following 3 situations:
Door ways: especially the front door! A door opening or already open does not mean dog just automatically goes out! Human needs to ensure that it’s safe first.
Before getting out of the car. The car door opening does not mean dog gets to automatically exit. Human needs to ensure that it’s safe first and leash is securely attached.
At street corners. Human needs to ensure that it’s safe first and we don’t want out dogs just running out into the street.
It’s not necessarily a perfect system and sometimes dogs do forget, especially if this isn’t something that is always being reinforced and worked on. If you have an eager dog when exiting the car, consider having a leash already attached to them, have them secured by a harness seat belt, or have them ride in a kennel or a crate.
If your dog forgets and doesn’t wait for your release cue, do not let this go unnoticed. Calmly have your dog go back into the car and try again. We don’t want our dog to get into any habits that are unsafe for them. If your dog is way too excited at the front door, try practicing this skill on a less exciting door than the front door at first. It will take some practice and you always need to keep skills sharp, but I promise you that teaching this skill is absolutely worth it. In fact, it will keep your dog safe and out of danger.
For a more thorough explanation and demonstration, please check out the following video:
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