a hold open rod may include : an outer tube and an inner tube ; a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the inner tube with the outer tube ; a locking groove in an outer surface of the inner tube ; a locking dog and an outer housing covering the locking dog and at least part of the locking mechanism , the outer housing defining a cavity to contain the locking dog when the locking dog is in the outer radial position and also having an angled inner wall configured to engage the locking dog to move the locking dog to the inner radial position when the outer housing is moved to a locking position . a method of actuating a locking rod may be provided .