Dog Community

Hard to leave the house...

Posted : 9/27/2006 6:53:03 PM

My 5 month old Tibetan Terrier likes to follow me around the house. He knows all basic tricks like sit, shake, lie down, etc. EXCEPT for stay. He has trouble learning it since he likes to follow me around... So it's really hard to get him off my back when I try to leave the house... Sometimes I have to throw a food away from me just to close the door because he pokes his head out to prevent me from closing the door and tries to follow through... I know throwing food doesn't teach him anything. But is there anything I can do??? Thanks for any help!

Deb

Posted : 9/27/2006 7:01:58 PM

Just leave.

The dog will learn that your departures are not up for debate and go settle down somewhere.

Lyndal Daly

Posted : 9/28/2006 11:26:07 AM

I can think of a few things you might try:

1. Put him in a crate while you're gone or confine him to one room.
2. Practise that "stay" command until he learns it.
4. Give him a toy or rawhide chew to keep him busy while you leave.
5. Ignore him while you're leaving, make sure he's behind you and close the door after you, without saying anything to him.

tiffy

Posted : 9/28/2006 12:14:54 PM

Tootsie is the ultimate follower. This includes the bathroom. She also is not good with stay, except for the door. She knows if shes not wearing a leash, she must stay.

mudpuppy

Posted : 9/28/2006 1:04:40 PM

you probably shouldn't use a formal "Stay" command for such a situation-- with a formal stay you want the dog to remain immobile until released by you. When I'm leaving sans dogs I tell the dog "I'll see you later" then off I go. Doesn't take long for them to catch on that they aren't coming with you. It never hurts to teach puppies to never go through doors withoug being invited, either-- could be a life-saver someday.