“After You.”
“No, no, After YOU.”
“I absolutely insist!  YOU first. “
“Oh, thank you, SO much, but you, you, you go.”

This is probably not a discussion you hold often with your canine companion.  For some reason, though, lately there has grown a great debate about who should be walking out the door first – you or your dog.  Won’t my dog become aggressive or dominant if he goes out the door first?  How will he know I’m the leader if I don’t make him walk behind me out the door?  If I let him out the door first, he’ll be making me sleep on the floor and I’ll be eating out of his bowl next.  So much power given to one single daily event. 

There are obviously times when there is risk of bodily injury if your dog exits before you.  For instance, if your arms are full of boxes of dishes; you can’t see where you’re going; you’re heading out the door and down the steps; and a squirrel is perched just at the bottom of the stoop.  Sounds like an accident waiting to happen.  If your dog is a rather muscular dog and likes to bound out the door with enough force to yank your arm out of its socket, this would be another situation in which exiting the door calmly would be wise.  Dogs can be taught the concept of “waiting” until you permit them to exit, even at a completely open doorway.  Teaching, of course, takes time, but it will be time well spent if it helps improve communication between you and your companion. 

Forcing your dog to walk behind you, however, may only engage you in a battle of strength, speed and wills.  That process could bring out the worst in both you and your dog.  Frequent, successful, and rewarding training sessions are much more enjoyable and foster a much more pleasant relationship.  If you’re struggling with the training process, let us know.  We’re happy to help you find a solution. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

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