In most dog training programs, basic obedience is a core focus. And rightfully so! Obedience is the gateway to better behavior. But the true transformation happens when duration work is added in. Active commands are definitely important, especially when in distracting situations where adrenaline is involved, but the duration will make those moments so much easier on you and your dog.
It is basically "doggie-meditation" and will teach your dog to quiet his mind and have better control of their emotions. Just like humans, our thoughts can control us or we control them. Teaching our dogs that they aren't responsible for what happens around them removes all of their stress and anxiety about having to control the situation. Who comes to the door, who is walking outside of the house, animals in the yard are no longer their concern. What a relief for them!
Holding command for extended periods of time is the ultimate practice of impulse control. Dogs who display problematic behaviors like leash reactivity, charging the door, barking at everything outside, jumping, etc. all struggle with impulse control! Being excited/aroused by something and then immediately acting upon that impulse. Teaching dogs that they have a job to do, and that they are only responsible for holding that command is the way through.
If you teach your dog nothing else, teach them place! Start small, while you are watching tv, or just hanging out. Then start to increase the distraction, like walking around and knocking on the door. Soon enough, your dog will be relaxing on their own! After my clients are finished with their packages, their homework is to continue with a place command daily to maintain training. Cultivating a calm mind takes practice, practice, practice. Soon enough it will be a habit and you will have a calm, happy dog with a clear mind who is ready for direction. Start today! Your dog will thank you.