There are some lessons in life that come with a bang — or, in my case, a blur of fur, an open door, and the unmistakable sound of paws hitting pavement as I launched myself down the street in my pyjamas yelling “COME BACK!”

It wasn’t my finest moment.

The culprit? One very enthusiastic dog (naming no names, Louis) who saw freedom and sprinted like he was chasing Olympic gold. The rest of the pack quickly realized something exciting was happening and decided to join in. And me? I was the comedy relief in mismatched socks, trailing behind like a poorly-trained human.

The Rookie Error

I’d made two classic mistakes:

1. I opened the door without a plan.


2. I chased them.



If you’ve ever chased a dog who thinks you’re playing tag, you know how this ends. They go faster. You go red in the face. And your neighbours either cheer or close their blinds.

After I recovered from the sprint (and my pride), I made a decision: this would never happen again. Thus began the campaign for the most underrated command in dog training — “stay at the door.”

The Power of a Good Stay

Now, whenever the door opens — whether it’s the front door, the car boot, or even the garden gate — my dogs wait. All of them. Sit. Stay. Watch me. It’s not about dominance or control; it’s about safety and mutual respect.

A solid stay at the threshold can:

Prevent dogs from bolting into traffic.

Keep chaos contained when guests arrive.

Avoid awkward scenes involving bathrobes and fleeing canines.

Reinforce calm, structured behaviour in everyday life.


How I Taught It (The Long but Worth-It Way)

It didn’t happen overnight. It took time, patience, and lots of repetition. I started with:

A leash and a calm environment.

Reinforcing the stay every single time I opened the door.

High-value treats and heaps of praise for calm, controlled behaviour.

Gradually adding distractions (like knocking, doorbells, or someone on the other side).


And most importantly — I didn’t just teach one dog. I taught the whole pack. Because dogs learn from each other. And if one breaks the stay, the rest will likely follow like a furry avalanche.

The Unofficial House Rule

These days, the dogs wait at the door like seasoned professionals. Riot might twitch with excitement. Nala might grumble about not being in charge of the door detail. Louis — well, he’s not allowed to forget that he once made me sprint in slippers. But they all hold their stay.

Why It Matters

Teaching “stay” at the door isn’t just about obedience — it’s about creating habits that keep everyone safe. It’s about structure in the small moments that ripple out into a calmer, more balanced life.

And, selfishly, it means I don’t have to run down the street in sleepwear anymore.