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Updated 2026-09-21

Calm doorway pause

Teach a brief voluntary pause at doors and gates before receiving permission to move through.

Dogs2–4 minutes
Dog and guardian demonstrating reward-based calm doorway pause
Four-stage reward-based training progression: set up, mark, reward and progress
Set up an easy success, mark the wanted choice, reward promptly and add only one small challenge at a time.

Step by step

  1. Step 1

    Start with a closed door

    Reward calm standing or sitting near the door without asking for a fixed position.

  2. Step 2

    Move the handle

    Touch and turn the handle, rewarding the dog for remaining behind the threshold.

  3. Step 3

    Open a little

    Open the door a few centimetres; close it gently if the dog moves forward, then make the step easier.

  4. Step 4

    Add a release

    When the dog pauses comfortably, say the release cue and move through together.

Troubleshooting

  • Practise at an unexciting internal door first.
  • Use a physical barrier as backup at external doors.