07/01/2026
These boys make this look easy, but it didn't happen overnight.
This is place work with the door wide open. For a new dog, an open door can be incredibly tempting. The outside world is exciting, and many dogs have learned that doors mean "go!"
Instead, we're teaching something much more valuable: impulse control.
By learning to calmly hold place, even with the door open, these dogs are practicing self-control instead of acting on impulse. They learn that they don't have to rush through every doorway or make every decision for themselves.
This goes hand in hand with threshold work. Whether it's a front door, kennel door, gate, or car door, I want my dogs looking to their handler for direction before moving through. That simple habit builds communication, trust, and leadership.
People often think obedience is about teaching commands. In reality, it's about creating a dog that can think clearly, make good choices, and remain calm even when exciting things are happening around them.
These boys are seasoned pros now, and it shows. Calm isn't something they're forced into—it's become a habit.🐾
