What command should a youth handler teach their dog to ensure safety around open doors?

Teaching a dog the "Stay" command is crucial for ensuring safety around open doors. By mastering this command, a dog learns to remain in a designated position until they are released, which is essential in preventing them from bolting outside when a door is opened. This behavior helps avoid dangerous situations where the dog could escape, get lost, or put themselves in harm's way, such as running into traffic.

While commands like "Come," "Sit," and "Down" have their own set of benefits for training and obedience, they do not provide the same level of control in potentially hazardous situations involving open doors. "Come" isn't effective in preventing the dog from running out, "Sit" may not be sustainable near an open door, and "Down" could lead to the dog moving from the position when startled. Therefore, "Stay" is the best choice for maintaining safety and control in those scenarios.