The doorbell rings. Your dog:

(a) Follows behind you, patiently waiting as you open the door;
     or
(b) Bolts for the door in a mad rush to beat you there, forcing you to use
your legs as a barricade.

If (b) describes the typical scenario in your home, you may want to consider Boundary and Perimeter Training. This important tool can help ensure your dog's safety, and keep both of you secure in knowing who's in control.

Boundary Training is an integral part of general obedience training. "It's one of the best gifts you can give your dog and yourself," says Best Friends Oklahoma City trainer Penny Nichols. A dog who understands and responds to the basic aspects of boundary training can be conditioned almost anywhere, giving the owner the freedom to take the dog more places.

"In the wild," Nichols says, "the alpha dog would re-establish his new territory. Whether it's in a hotel room or new yard, a dog needs to realize that there are lines which must never be crossed until the pack leader says it okay to do so."

But like all obedience training, Nichols says, it takes plenty of time, patience and above all, consistency and complete dedication on the part of the owner.

What you'll need
Basic obedience training, especially obeying the commands "stay" and "heel," is a pre-requisite. Even if your pet has been trained, a brief refresher is recommended before you begin boundary training.

When you are ready to begin boundary training, you should:

• Choose a single vocabulary word (such as "halt," "stop," "door," etc.) that will be applied to this specific exercise.
• Purchase or find a long, light nylon line that can be attached to the dog's collar during the initial training.
• Commit to consistency: every time you open a door, make sure the dog is given a command and made to obey it. This means cooperation from the entire household; if someone lets her escape, all your work will be undone.

Indoor Boundary Training
Start your training with an interior doorway where the dog won't be in danger if she outmaneuvers you.

• Go to the door, but before you open it, take the dog by the collar, move her back from the doorway, look her straight in the eye and say, "HALT!" in a commanding voice. Using your hand as a barrier in front of her face while using the "halt" command reinforces the message.
• Eventually, open the door a bit, but not wide enough for her to slip through. If she tries to get out, quickly shut the door, grab her collar, push her back and correct her with a firm "NO!" Give her the "HALT!" command and hand motion again.

Repeat this exercise several times a day using all the doors in your house. Make sure to praise her when she actually does stay!

Outdoor Boundary Training
Before you begin, assess your neighborhood: its residents and its risks.

• Walk the dog on a leash around the perimeter of your property several times a day. Do not let the dog roam freely outside.
• Each time she begins to wander over your property line, firmly say, "NO," give a little jerk on the leash and walk her back inside the line.
• Continue this process several times a day.
• Be ready with plenty of positive reinforcements (treats, pats, verbal praise) to reward the dog for coming when called or staying when told.

Best Friends professional trainer Roy Spitalnik stresses that a even dog who appears to be fully boundary trained can never be considered 100% reliable. "There is always the possibility that something or someone may come along and prove too tempting to the dog," he said, endangering your pet and/or other people or animals.

Boundary training and obedience classes benefit both the pet and his owner. Always look for a dog trainer who stands behind his or her program. At Best Friends Pet Care, dog training classes come with a Results Guarantee. For more information, or for the Best Friends nearest you, call 888-FOR-PETS or go to the Our Centers section of the website.