Training a Dog to Use a Dog Door

Having a dog door can be convenient for both you and your pet. However, not all dogs will feel safe using it right away. This is a guide about training a dog to use a dog door.

Solutions: Training a Dog to Use a Dog Door

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Push Dog Through Dog Door At First

We taught ours by simply pushing them through it. They got the idea quickly and were happy with it. When other dogs came into our household, they got the idea from watching our dogs do it.

By Pat from Phoenix, AZ

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Questions

Here are questions related to Training a Dog to Use a Dog Door.

Lab Forgets How to Use Dog Door

We have a 2 and half year old Lab. She has been house trained for a good year and half. She has her own doggy door which she comes in and out of when she pleases. She is suddenly acting like she can't remember how to get out of the house. When we direct her to her door, she goes out and then stands at another door and cries for us to let her in. We have no clue what is going on with her.

By Lori

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By patches01/26/2012

Maybe something happened to her out in the yard (kids throwing rocks or teasing, etc.). Also dogs can have strokes - maybe this is the cause of her change in behavior. May be time for a trip to the vet for a check-up.

Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

Help. Why is my dog peeing in the house and how do I make him stop? I have a doggy door, and he is walked once or twice a day. It rained 7 days ago, but he still won't go to the bathroom outside in our backyard. Maybe he doesn't want to get his paws cold, but it's too bad. What do I do? Thanks.

By Sammy from San Jose, ca

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By catastrofy10/20/2009

I have a huge German shepherd/rottie/dobbie cross who hates getting her feet wet or cold; dances around on three legs, won't go to the bathroom, runs back into the house and "goes" on the floor! I got her some doggie boots. She looks absolutely ridiculous, but it solved the problem!

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Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

I've got 2 great dogs, and 1 is terrified of the new doggie door that we just installed. His brother runs in and out of the pet door with no problem, but the other guy just sits and shakes, staring at the door knowing that the grass is greener on the other side, but afraid to get there. I've tried bribing him with treats and toys, but all he does is whine. I've stuck my head through the door, praised him with every step forward he's made, but still nothing. It's doubly frustrating because usually he's the bold one in a house (I hear he even tried to attack a cow once!) What else can I do?

Kathy from Oak Harbor, WA

RE: Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

Does the flap for your doggie door have a metal strip at the bottom? If so, you may be able to slide it off. Our poodle was also scared of the doggie door and we found that it was actually the soud and the weight of the metal strip that bothered him. As long as we have it removed, he's fine.

I hope this helps. (02/21/2007)

By Yoda' mom

RE: Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

If there's a way to prop the door up/open for awhile to see if that is enticement enough, I would suggest that if you can stand to have the house open to the elements for short periods of time. You should continue to coax with praise and treats as well. (02/22/2007)

RE: Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

Try using duct tape to tape the flap up. Then place his food on the far side so he has to walk thru to eat. Do this a few times/days. Then try letting the flap down with food on the far side. Call him, hold the flap up if you need to. If his food is on the other side he WILL use the dog door. (02/22/2007)

RE: Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

He is obviously afraid of the door. I don't think that opening the door and showing him the other side will work. Because it is the door he is afraid of. I would put a leash on him. Have someone on the other side of the door and literally pull him through the door. This may sound mean but it is not, you are teaching him not to be afraid.You may have to drag him the first couple of times or maybe a lot of times but he will eventually conquer his fears. You don't have to yank on the leash just a steady pull enough to get him through the door. You may have to physically pick him up and put him through the door. He will catch on and find that the door means him no harm. (02/22/2007)

By PICO

RE: Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

Now raising flap works but still will not come if flap is down, now what? (03/14/2007)

By Vicki

RE: Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

Thank you for the suggestions I will try them (03/17/2007)

By VickiM

RE: Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

poor Brutis, he just never learned....I couldn't remove the metal strip on the bottom of the flap, so that didn't work. He would come through if I held the flap open a little ways for him, but obviously I can't always be there to do that. I nudged him through a couple of times, but he just never got over his fear. I ended up removing the flap and taping a dish towel over the opening instead. He has no problems with going through that! I even tried both the flap and the towel, but once the flap was in place, he'd refuse to go through again! Thankfully the doggie door is installed on the porch, so the lack of flap isn't causing the cold air to waft into the house! Thank you for all your suggestions! (03/19/2007)

By cracklintulip

Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

I have a 12 year old poodle we just put in a doggy door and she will not use it. If I raise the flap she will come in or go out but will not push it open herself. I have tried pulling her with a leash and also coaching her with food. Please, any suggestions?

Vicki from Lubbock, TX

RE: Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

We put in a doggy door a few years ago. Two of us stood on either side of the door and held bologna for her. She'd come through to get it. She still didn't want to go through without us standing there. So then after she knew she could go through, we'd all play outside and then she'd come out to spend time with us. It still took a while for her to use it without coaxing, but now, she's fine. (03/20/2007)

By Mary Ellen