Rule #1 at camp is sit at the door. Instead of plowing by me, Sadie has to hold a sit and wait to be invited in. If she gets up from the sit 100 times, I’m patiently waiting 101 times to put her back. We do this at the gate, at her crate, in the car, or any doorway in the house. It’s a simple exercise that accomplishes several things. It shows her that people are in control of ALL space, whether coming or going. It increases Sadie’s self control to hold her sit until released, and prevents dashing out the door. It also makes her take the time to look at me, changing her attitude from “COMING THROUGH!” to a calmer “may I come in?” Good job Sadie, you worked hard on this one!
