There’s nothing quite as heart-stopping as watching your dog shoot past you, straight out the front door, ears flapping, paws thundering across the pavement. One second they’re wagging at your feet, and the next, they’re halfway down the street, chasing after who-knows-what. This kind of behaviour is more than just frustrating—it’s downright dangerous.
Some dogs get lucky and come trotting back after a few minutes, no harm done. Others? They might dart into traffic, run into aggressive animals, or end up completely lost. If you’ve got a serial escape artist on your hands, don’t stress—there are practical ways to put a stop to the madness while keeping your dog safe and sound.
Why Do Dogs Bolt in the First Place?
Before fixing the issue, it helps to figure out why your dog is so eager to make a run for it. For some, it’s instinct. Many dogs were bred to chase, hunt, or explore, and the sight of movement outside the door is all it takes to send them into pursuit mode.
Hounds, herding breeds, and high-energy dogs like Jack Russell Terriers are particularly prone to this. Others run because it’s exciting—every time they manage to sneak out, they get rewarded with freedom, new smells, and the thrill of the chase. If they’re allowed to do it more than once, they learn that bolting leads to fun.
Lack of boundaries is another reason. If a dog isn’t trained to control their impulses, an open door is an invitation rather than a barrier. Many dogs also have specific triggers that make them want to run—whether it’s the sight of another dog, a person walking past, or the sound of their leash being picked up. Understanding what sets them off makes it easier to prevent future escapes.
How to Put a Stop to Door-Bolting
Training is the best way to prevent door dashing, and it starts with teaching your dog that waiting is more rewarding than running. The “Wait” and “Stay” commands are essential. Start by having your dog sit near the door. Crack it open slightly—if they try to move, close it and have them sit again. Once they stay still, reward them with praise or a treat. Repeat this exercise until they understand that an open door doesn’t mean they get to charge through.
If your dog gets too excited the second they see their leash, practicing leash training near the door can help. Clip the leash on before opening it, but don’t move forward if they’re bouncing with excitement. Stand still and wait for them to calm down. Once they settle, walk them out at a controlled pace. Over time, they’ll associate the door with patience, not an instant dash for freedom.
Impulse control is another important skill. Reward your dog for calm behaviour before they get the chance to bolt. If they approach the door too eagerly, redirect them with a command or encourage them to return to a designated waiting spot before proceeding.
Routine also plays a role. Dogs thrive on structure, so if you teach them that they only go out after sitting and waiting for permission, they’ll begin to see the door as something they have to earn access to.
Making Your Home Escape-Proof
Training is crucial, but in the meantime, a few small changes can keep your dog from making a sudden escape. Baby gates or indoor barriers can create a second layer of protection, preventing them from getting a direct shot at the front door. If you have the space, a double-door entry system—where one door leads to a contained area before opening to the outside—can also be a lifesaver.
Checking that all doors are properly latched seems obvious, but many escape incidents happen because someone accidentally leaves a door slightly open. If your dog is particularly persistent, adding a self-closing hinge or a secondary lock can prevent unwanted exits.
What to Do If Your Dog Escapes
Even with the best precautions, mistakes happen. If your dog gets loose, your first instinct might be to chase after them, but this can backfire—many dogs see this as a game and will run even faster. Instead, try calling them in an excited, playful voice or running in the opposite direction to encourage them to chase you instead. If they love treats or toys, grabbing their favourite one and using it as a lure can also work.
A strong recall command is invaluable in these situations, and it’s worth practicing in controlled settings to reinforce their response. If they don’t return immediately, having a backup plan—like a GPS collar or an ID tag with up-to-date contact information—can make all the difference in getting them home safely.
Final Thoughts
Dogs don’t bolt out the door to be naughty—they do it because it’s fun, exciting, or just part of their natural instincts. The good news is that with consistent training, structured routines, and a few smart changes to your home setup, you can put an end to door dashing for good. Keeping them safe doesn’t mean restricting their freedom—it means teaching them that staying close is just as rewarding as running away.
