Teaching your dog to “wait” — whether it’s before dashing out the front door or jumping out of the car seat — is one of the most valuable lessons you can offer your furry friend. This simple yet powerful command does more than just prevent chaos; it can literally save your dog’s life. Beyond safety, “wait” is an excellent way to nurture your pup’s self-control and manners, setting the foundation for a well-behaved companion.
From my experience, dogs thrive when they master basic manners, and “wait” consistently ranks in my top ten essential skills for every dog. To me, “wait” means your dog stays behind the threshold — no stepping forward — until given a clear verbal release. There’s also a more advanced “wait” I use as part of recall training, but that’s a story for another time.
Getting Started: The Right Tools and Setting
Begin training with a hungry dog and semi-high value treats — think moist, tasty morsels, but hold off on the prime cuts like chicken or meat just yet. Practice initially indoors with interior doors, never at the front or side door where your dog could bolt into danger.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching “Wait”
- Stand firmly in front of your dog — seated or standing, either is fine.
- Position yourself to block the door with your body, preventing your dog from sneaking past.
- Unlock the door and crack it just a tiny bit — enough for a mouse to slip through, but not your dog.
- Calmly say, “Fido, wait!”
- After saying “wait,” raise your hand with fingers straight up and palm facing your dog as a visual cue.
- Slowly open the door about a quarter way.
- Release your dog to pass through.
- Reward immediately once your dog steps outside — either hand-feed a treat or toss it gently ahead for extra fun.
At this stage, keep the “wait” duration short — just 1 to 2 seconds before release. Increasing the time your dog must wait is a gradual process, only after your dog can successfully hold the position for 5 consecutive trials at the current duration. Add seconds one at a time until your pup can confidently wait for 5 full seconds before you open the door further.
Practice Makes Perfect
Use interior doors frequently for practice, gradually increasing how far you open the door to challenge your dog more. Always pair the verbal “wait” command with the hand signal, and be ready to block or reset as needed. Adjust the waiting time based on how wide the door is open—only change one training factor at a time.
When your dog consistently waits for 5 seconds with interior doors, it’s time to move to the front door — but now on leash, for safety.
Teaching “Wait” in the Car
Training “wait” at the car door follows the same principles but requires extra caution. Always practice on leash in a safe, traffic-free area. Depending on your vehicle, you’ll need to adapt how you open the door and position yourself to prevent your dog from escaping. Use your body or gently close the door to block any sudden attempts to bolt.
Why Invest Time in Teaching “Wait”?
Training “wait” isn’t just about preventing your dog from rushing out; it builds your dog’s patience and respect for boundaries. It’s a cornerstone behavior that makes everyday life safer and more enjoyable for both of you.
With consistent practice, your dog will learn to control impulses and develop manners that make every outing smoother and stress-free.