Puppy distractions in training

Question
We just adopted an 11 month-old Dobe mix (we think Dobe/Boxer) from our
local animal shelter who was an owner surrender. The previous owners kept
him crated for 8 hours a day and said he would destroy the house. We
attributed that to him being a puppy, and took the risk (I should also mention
that he was in the shelter for about 2 months, with little exercise due to
overcrowding).

We're trying hard to give him two long 45 minute walks around the same time
every day (one in the morning, one in the evening), we're working on sit,
down and stay, and we're trying to get him into the habit of sitting before we
cross the street on walks (releasing on "OK!"). We practice one or two lessons
twice a day for about 10 minutes each, and he's a quick learner. He still gets
very distracted on walks, and when we leave he tries to dart out the door. I've
tried to mix up cues for leaving, and he's been very good inside the house
(no torn couches or chewed shoes, and no potties), but I don't want leaving
the house to turn into a game. He won't listen to the sit/stay command when
I'm trying to get to work, and it's especially hard for me to get out the door if
I'm the last one to leave. What can we do to keep his attention, get him to
listen and prevent this behavior?

Answer
It sounds like you are doing a lot of things right. For the door darting, I'd start with an interior door, on leash. Ask him to wait and reach for the door knob. If he stays in a sit, click and treat. If he moves towards the door, sigh loudly, turn and walk quickly away (he is on leash and has to come with you) When he will wait to be released at an interior door, start all over with the door to outside. If he is not going with you, release him and at the same time throw some great treats back into the room so he can go hunt for food, giving you time to leave (you can practice hunting for treats separately so he knows the game). If you don't have time to reinforce good behavior, I'd put him up so it isn't an issue. Sandy Case BFA MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com