Train Your Boxer Not to Bolt!
Door/Gate Training

by Rozanne Lovell

I have no doubt the Click & Treat enthusiasts could come up with as good,

or better, method for training one's dog not to bolt from a car door,
through an opened gate, or out the opened door of one's home.  This method,
however, was taught to me some 25 years ago and has probably saved the life
of each and every one of my Boxers since then.

Age of the dog is not a factor; any dog can and will learn it, given a
loving and diligent owner.  Like all training, consistency, praise, and
frequency of training will determine how quickly one has success.  One
person can do this training; however two in attendance (at least for the
initial training) will work better.  Sharpen up your reflexes for this one!
Leash the dog (have your helper, if there is one, just behind the
dog).  Walk toward a door, begin to open it, and as the dog begins to bolt
through the door, have the helper give a sudden, quick pop (jerk, if you
will) on the leash -- enough to bring the dog up short.  Simultaneously,
you (at the door) issue the sharp/stern command, "WAIT!".  Neither you nor
your helper is to physically restrain the dog (i.e. place your hands on the
dog's body) at any time during this exercise.  When the dog suddenly stops
(because he's been restrained by the leash!), quickly praise him lavishly;
it makes no difference that he didn't think of stopping by himself!!

Do this exercise about 2 or 3 times only............then repeat the whole
thing at another time during the day.  Done twice daily (and always
remember the praise for him), this should bring results within a week or
so.  Do not, however, trust him 100% for several months.  Do not stop the
training, just because he has learned not to bolt.   Just change the
training slightly....... and don't use your human helper, leaving the dog's
lead loose on the floor.

When you're totally satisfied that your dog is not going to bolt through
that door, move to another door and work at that one for a week or two.
With the car, turn QUICKLY to face the dog as you exit your car door.
Effectively block his escape with your body (again, do not restrain him by
touching/holding onto his body!), while issuing the stern command,
"WAIT!"   Do this exercise over and over, until you feel that he will
never, ever exit the car until given that release word of "OK" (or,
whatever release word you've decided to use with him). Immediately, along
with his release word, praise him lavishly!

ONE NEVER ISSUES A COMMAND TO A DOG WITHOUT HAVING A RELEASE WORD
READY...........THE DOG MUST NEVER RELEASE HIMSELF FROM ANY COMMAND OR
EXERCISE!

Gate training is the last exercise in this series.  One goes at it in
exactly the same manner as with the door inside the house.  And no matter
when the dog received his gate training, it's always wise for the owner to
refresh it at least once or twice weekly..........for the entire life of
the dog.  By the way, that life will be much longer if you only take the
time and effort to do the training thoroughly!  Good luck..........and as
always, have fun with it!

[Reprinted by permission]

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