Wait Cue
Door-dashing is a favorite activity of many dogs. It is just so exciting to get to the other side! But in addition to being irritating to us, it can also be dangerous.
What Is a Wait Cue?
The wait cue teaches your dog to pause or stop until you give the all clear. While "Stay" means your dog should remain in a specific position until you return, "Wait" is usually for a shorter duration and is more flexible. "Wait" tells your dog to pause momentarily until they get permission to move forward.
How to Train Your Dog to Wait at the Door
This version of "Wait" helps your dog learn impulse control at thresholds.
Step 1: Work at an interior threshold (like a bedroom or bathroom door) with the door open. At the door, tell your dog, “Wait” in a cheerful tone of voice.
Step 2: Pause for 5 seconds. Then say “Free” and walk through the door. Practice 5-10 times.
Step 3: Add movement. At the door tell your dog, “Wait” and take a half step forward. Your dog should stay in place. Before your dog has a chance to move, say “Free” to release. You can add one additional step as long as your dog knows to stay still until released.
Step 4: Work with a closed door. At the door ask your dog to “Wait.” Open the door one quarter of the way. If your dog stays still, say “free” as you open the door the rest of the way and walk through. Gradually open the door more until you can open the door fully without your dog moving until released.
Step 5: Add movement. Walk to the door and give your dog the cue to “Wait.” Fully open the door and take one step through. Release your dog and walk through. Continue until you can walk through the threshold without your dog moving forward until released.
Step 6: Repeat steps 1-5 with your front and/or back door.
Tips for Teaching a Wait Cue
Be consistent! For this method to really be effective you need to be consistent. Ask your dog to wait in the same situations every time.
If your dog is especially excited about the front/back door, start by asking for a “wait” and just reach for the door knob, don’t open the door. Reward with a treat if they stay still. Then jiggle the doorknob a little and reward with a treat if they stay still. Gradually work up to being able to open the door slightly. Then you can return to the original steps.
How to Train Your Dog to Wait for Food
This version of "Wait" helps your dog learn patience around meals and treats.
Step 1: Ask your dog to sit, then hold their food bowl or a treat high up where they are interested, but cannot jump to get it.
Step 2: Say "Wait" then start to lower the bowl or treat slightly (2-6 inches).
Step 3: If your dog holds the sit position while you slightly lower the food, immediately mark the behavior with a click or by saying “yes,” and reward with a treat.
Step 4: If your dog moves forward, lift the bowl or treat back-up and try again, but make it easier by lowering the food bowl less. Be sure your dog can succeed, even if that means you are lowering the bowl a couple inches at a time.
Step 5: Gradually lower the bowl further and further until you can place it on the ground. Always make sure your dog can succeed, don’t go too fast too soon!
Step 6: Once your dog can remain seated, and you can place the bowl or treat on the ground, add a release cue (e.g., "Okay," “Take it,” “Free”).
Where Else Can I Use Wait?
Sidewalks before crossing a street.
Waiting to get in or out of the car.
At the top or bottom of stairs so that no one gets knocked over.
Different doorways, even ones that lead to safe places like the backyard!
Resources for Teaching a Wait Cue