How do you perform the 'dogs back' technique?

How do you perform the 'dogs back' technique?

• A. Clap hands and shout.
• B. Lure with treats across the threshold.
• C. Define boundary around the door 3 ft away, walk toward the door face the dogs and say 'dogs back.' Keep your hands at your side. Praise the dogs in a calm voice when they don't cross the boundary.
• D. Push dog back with knee.

Answer: (C)

This tests using a calm boundary-based cue to keep dogs back from a doorway. You establish a clear space—about three feet from the door—and approach with the dogs behind that boundary. Face the dogs and say a simple cue like “dogs back.” Keep your hands at your sides to avoid sending mixed signals, and when the dogs stay behind the boundary, reward them with a calm, approving tone. This approach communicates clear leadership and a predictable rule, so they learn to respect the space rather than rush the door. It also minimizes excitement and conflict, since you’re not chasing, yelling, or physically forcing them. Pushing with a knee or shouting loudly tends to escalate tension and is unsafe, while luring with treats across the threshold can teach them to cross the line rather than respect it.

This tests using a calm boundary-based cue to keep dogs back from a doorway. You establish a clear space—about three feet from the door—and approach with the dogs behind that boundary. Face the dogs and say a simple cue like “dogs back.” Keep your hands at your sides to avoid sending mixed signals, and when the dogs stay behind the boundary, reward them with a calm, approving tone. This approach communicates clear leadership and a predictable rule, so they learn to respect the space rather than rush the door. It also minimizes excitement and conflict, since you’re not chasing, yelling, or physically forcing them. Pushing with a knee or shouting loudly tends to escalate tension and is unsafe, while luring with treats across the threshold can teach them to cross the line rather than respect it.