Clicker 4 - Wait

The Wait command tells your dog that he must not move past the spot. His position doesn't matter - he can be sitting, standing, or lying down and may even shift positions while waiting, just not go forward until released. You will use it mostly at thresholds, having your dog wait for permission before going through doorways, getting out of cars, etc. A dog that blows past you to get out the door or up or down the steps is rude as well as dangerous.
So, here's how to teach "Wait". Find a place in your house that has an obvious demarcation between rooms - such as tile to carpet. Holding your dog by the collar (or leash if he's little) walk up to the entrance and gently hold him by the (buckle) collar. Tell him "Wait" and then wait a moment yourself. If he starts to go on, just pull him gently back. When he has held his spot for a few moments, release him to walk on over with "Okay". Repeat several times until he no longer tries to move across until released.

The next step is to start as before, but after you have said "Wait", take a small step yourself across the threshold (still holding his collar). Again, if he moves forward just pull him back. When he settles, release though. Practice.

Next progressions are to take a whole step, then several steps, etc. Obviously, at some point you will have to let go of his collar. Start working on the amount of time he is waiting, too, but never make it very long. And of course, you may give him a treat after a nice Wait!

When he is doing well with all of that, start practicing with an actual door, but use an indoor one at first. Walk the dog up to the closed door, tell him "Wait", and reach for the knob, replacing him as needed. When he does manage to wait, release & give a treat. (and/or go on through the door with him!). The next steps would be to jiggle the doorknob a bit, then to open door slightly, then to open all the way, then to open and actually step through yourself. Be sure to take the steps as slowly as needed, and always release him with "Okay" so he doesn't learn to release himself. Practice with lots of different inside doors. When he has those down, try for an outside door. (Hint... at first, don't practice this when he's dying to get out!) You may have to go back several steps at first - that's fine. Go back as far as you need until he is steady then go up through the steps again. Practice with lots of doors, gates, etc., and don't forget the car doors! Try to get all family members to practice this with the dog - this is especially important with children who are likely to get knocked over by a dog rushing to get out. Happy Waiting!!