Originally posted by Pam
Once they know it's OK to go outside (with leash!) do they try to go out when they see an open door, or heaven forbid - dart out??
Yes, that is the only problem I've ever had with taking Tubby out. But it just took a bit of training and he learned very quickly what NO! means. Now he will come to the door, and will not back away when I open it, but he doesn't dart out either. So that could be a problem, but if they back away now, that's a real good start.

It's funny though, because Tubby knows what it means when I say "Wanna go outside?" and hold out his leash. He will come over by me to have his collar put on - with only a little protesting - then he will run for the back door and jump out the second the door is open enough for him to get through. He knows it's ok with his leash on. And if I don't get to the door fast enough, he'll sit there looking at it meowing frantically. He loves being outside.

Peanut on the other hand, has never been a door dasher. She will not come to me to have her collar put on. I have to sit out on the back step with the door open and wait for her to tentatively sniff her way out. Then I grab her and put her collar on and she goes exploring. It's funny because it's like she's kind of afraid to come out, but once she's out she's a bold little explorer and will go as far as I let her. She loves to sit and watch the birds.

Anyway, to answer your question, there is the possiblity that they will start dashing for the door, but they can be trained to not do that. If you take them out a lot, I would think they would be more likely to be a door dasher, whereas if you only take them out once or twice a year, they will be less likely to associate the door opening with them being let out.

Good luck, and if either of you attempt it, please remember the cameras!