The Problem:
Max, a bouncy 1.5-year-old Goldendoodle, had a serious case of “door dash.” Every time someone opened the front door—even for a second—Max saw it as a green light to bolt. His owners were constantly on edge, worried he might run into traffic or get lost. Hosting guests became a stressful juggling act, and taking packages at the door was practically impossible.
Max wasn’t trying to misbehave—he was simply overstimulated and didn’t know what else to do.
🧠 The Plan: Structure, Patience, and Practice
When Max’s family reached out to Brunell Canine Solutions, they were looking for a long-term fix—not just another set of treats or commands that only worked “sometimes.” In our first in-home session, we focused on three core elements:
Impulse Control – Max had to learn that charging out the door wasn’t an option.
Place Training – We introduced a safe, designated area for him to go to when the door opened.
Clear Communication – We taught Max’s family how to mark behaviors, enforce boundaries, and build consistency.
Training sessions included realistic setups with doorbells, guests arriving, and even deliveries—exactly the types of distractions that triggered Max’s excitement.
✨ The Breakthrough Moment
By session three, something amazing happened: Max stayed calmly in his “place” while someone rang the doorbell and entered the home. His family was stunned. There was no barking, no leaping, and most importantly—no dashing.
The key wasn’t just teaching Max a new behavior—it was teaching his humans how to lead confidently and consistently, which gave Max the clarity and structure he needed.
👨🏫 Trainer’s Insight from Cameron
“Dogs like Max thrive on structure. He wasn’t being disobedient—he was simply unsure of what was expected. Once we gave him a job to do and consistent boundaries to respect, he settled right down. Training isn’t just about the dog—it’s about helping the whole family become a team.”
🏠 Life After Training
Max’s home is now a calmer, safer place. Visitors are greeted politely, and his family no longer has to sprint across the yard in slippers. Walks start with a calm exit, and Max checks in with his humans instead of bolting ahead.
The best part? His family says they’re less stressed, and Max seems more relaxed than ever.
🎓 Take-Home Tips for Door Dashers
If your dog is struggling with rushing the door, here are a few things you can try today:
Teach a solid “place” command and reward your dog for staying there as people enter.
Use a leash inside during training sessions for added control and safety.
Practice door drills daily so your dog learns this is part of the routine, not a surprise.
Stay calm and consistent. Your energy sets the tone—if you’re anxious, your dog will be too.
🐶 Is Your Dog Like Max?
If you’re dealing with door dashing, jumping, or general chaos at home—don’t give up. Real transformation is possible, and we’d love to help you experience it.
📍 Serving Central MN, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities
📞 Call or text: (763) 373-7118
🌐 Book online: www.brunellcaninesolutions.org
Every dog can learn. Let’s write your success story next.