Don't let dog dart out an open door

Dear Uncle Matty: Our dear, sweet, 4-year-old Andy has a problem. Every time we open the front door, he is faster than a speeding bullet and halfway down the street before we can even yell at him to come back.

Of course, he doesn't listen, and someone has to go chasing after him to bring him home. The problems now are Thanksgiving and Christmas, when people are coming and going constantly. What can we do? — Randy L., Scottsdale, Ariz.

Dear Randy: Are you surprised every time you open the door and your experienced escape artist charges out? Did you ever consider teaching Andy the sit/stay and down/stay commands? When you yell at your dog to come back, do you really expect him to respond? Has this problem been going on for four years?

Yikes! This is stressful for you and just as stressful for your dog. I am sure you know that every time your dog runs out the door, his life is in danger. Next to cancer, cars kill more dogs each year than anything else.

So what can you do during the holidays to protect your best friend and end the frantic yelling and running? First, keep your dog safely inside your fenced back yard if you are in an area that is reasonably warm and not experiencing bad weather. If you're in snow country or living with rainy days, then provide a safe place inside your home. This can be an adequate-sized wire doggy crate that houses your pooch and some toys along with his favorite "blankie." A wire crate is important so your dog can see out. If you prefer and your house is configured to allow a doggie gate that separates one part of the house from the rest, then temporarily solve the problem that way. Never lock your dog up behind closed doors.

Of course, I suggest you contact a qualified trainer in your area to help you teach your dog the basics, including sit/stay and down/stay. A truly well-trained dog will respond to your command, and he can't sit and stay and run out the door at the same time. Otherwise, be sure and use self-help tools like books and videos. This is something you can do yourself with a little effort. The fact that your dog is out of control is not his problem. It's a people problem. Remember, dogs don't teach themselves.

By now, you have discovered that yelling at your dog every time he runs out the door is reaching deaf ears. I'm sure you keep thinking one day he will stop dead in his tracks, turn around and race back to your grateful feet. Trust me. This is fruitless expectation.