Teaching "Wait"

1. With your dog on a collar and leash, approach the door and stop. Ultimately, it does not matter if your puppy sits or stands when told to "wait" but for now, we'll tell him to "sit", as he is less likely to want to move forward if he is sitting rather than standing. Now slightly open the door. If your puppy moves toward the door calmly close the door (without slamming it on his nose) and begin again. Work on this step until your puppy does not move toward the door when you open it.
   
   
2. Once your puppy is successful with Step 1, slowly prop the door wide open. Have your puppy "sit", and take one step in front of your puppy so you are facing him. Praise him as you step. He should not be able to walk forward since you are blocking his path. If he tries to dart around you, close the door, or step toward him so you can continue to blocking his path and he will have to back up, and start again. Slowly step to the end of your leash. If, at any time, your puppy moves forward, immediately step into your puppy so you are blocking his way. Praise him every step of the way until you can get to the end of your leash and your puppy is waiting. Do not use the leash as a correction tool. It is only there for your puppy's safety. Once you are at the end of the leash, release him.
   
   
3. Once your puppy is successful with the above steps, you can add the cue "wait" to his behavior, so that he associates it with the action of "proceed no further". At a very brisk pace, walk with your puppy toward the doorway. When you reach the doorway, say the word "wait" and give the hand signal, which is swinging your hand in a clear pendulum motion across your puppy's face Continue going through the doorway yourself by stepping to the end of the leash as before. If your puppy understands what you want, he will stop cold and not follow you through the door, but look up to you for permission. When he does, praise him, give him permission by releasing him so he may then join you. This can be done at the end of your driveway, at a curb, or anywhere you want your puppy to come to a sudden and complete halt.

1. Ask him to "sit". Tell your pup to "wait" and place a treat on the floor. If your puppy attempts to jump for it, which he will probably do the first two or three times, quickly remove the treat and remind him to "wait". Once he waits patiently for 1-2 seconds, praise and release him, granting him permission to take the food.
   
   
2. Once your puppy can successfully wait for 1-2 seconds, begin to gradually increase the time. Have your pup wait 3, 4 and then 5 seconds before releasing him. Once your pup can wait for five seconds, move on to the next step.
   
   
3. Have your puppy's food bowl in hand and ask your dog to "wait". Begin to place it on the floor. If he dives into it, quickly take it away and repeat the step. Do not allow him to dive at the dish when it is in your hands.