I'd like to say first how much I love your podcasts!

My dog, Espresso, is a 4-year-old lab mix and we have been through basic training at another facility when she was very young. People are often telling me that she's well-behaved, but I think there are plenty of things we need to work on. So, I decided to start back with the basics and am using the methods described in the online basics course and in the podcasts.

The problem I am having is with the goalie game. In our prior training class, I was instructed to have Espresso sit before giving her instructions, allowing her to eat, putting her leash on, etc. So, when we get to the door and I am standing in front of it, Espresso will sit and look at me (as if she's waiting for further instructions). I will be watching her, waiting for her to look away, but then we will just look at each other for quite a long time. I'm nervous to stare at her because I've heard that it's not good to do that. I'm wondering if it's enough that she sits or do I need to wait for her to look away? And is it ok for me to look at her for that long? Is she testing me by doing that? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your kind words! You ask thoughtful questions.

There is a difference between soft eye contact with your own dog and staring at a dog. Eye contact is an important communication tool with dogs. My Corgi Sasha held the record for 27 minutes of unbroken eye contact before she looked away!

You may find it useful to add the second step when practicing Goalie. Move towards your sitting dog as you ask her to ‘back-up’. She only needs to back-up two or three steps. Ask her to sit. Hold soft eye contact until she looks away. Tell her ‘It’s OK’ and praise as you go through the door.

It is important to realize that the key concept is that your dog looks away from you. This lets you know that she has ‘given’ you the door.

I hope this helps you. Keep us posted on your progress. Margaret Davis

Thanks so much for the advice! I will definitely try this and let you know how it's going!