How do I stop door dashing?

You cannot change instinct, but you can modify some of these irksome behaviors. Recognize you will NOT stop a cat’s urge to see on the other side of the door. Encourage her to stay away from danger zones with training techniques. Any time you see the cat lounging near the doorway, use an interruption such as a loud “SSST!” or clapped hands to shoo her away. Make the entry way unfriendly, many cats dislike the feeling of walking on aluminum foil, so place a couple of sheets over the walkway. You can also use clear plastic floor mats placed spike-side up so the cat will avoid the area. The SSSCAT is a cat-repellent device that sprays a hiss of air to startle the pet that triggers the built-in motion detector—you don’t have to be present for it to work. Offer Kitty Legal Alternatives to the Doorway Dash, position a cat tree or kitty bed on a table top right in front of a window some distance away from the forbidden door. Make this the most wonderful cat lounge spot ever—hide catnip or food treats in the bed, for example. Before you go out the door, make a point of giving your cat the best-treat-in-the-world, but only if she’s on this cat tree/bed, while she munches, you can make a safe exist.

Like so many other pet behaviors, door dashing can be prevented. Practicing a combination of management and training will help you outwit your little escape artist. Set them up for success by removing your pet's entryway access, use a baby gate or exercise pen to keep your furry friend out of the foyer, and ask guests to text or call you when they’ve arrived rather than ringing the bell. Make the foyer a boring place, as tempting as it is to shower your animals with affection, avoid big hellos and goodbyes when you come and go. For food motivated pets, toss treats away from the door to a specific location when you arrive or depart, your pet will learn that if they wait in that spot, food happens. Teach your furry pal to stay, work on mat/spot training, have a special spot outside the foyer where you greet your four-legged friend, place a mat or bed for your pet within sight of your door. Create happy associations with the indoors, your pet thinks outside is more exciting, teach them that’s not the case.