How to Train a Dog to Use a Pet Door

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By Tishin Donkersley, M.A.
eHow Contributing Writer

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Train a Dog to Use a Pet Door

The dog door is in place, and now all Scruffy has to do is go through it. "Come on Scruffy," you say, "Go Scruffy, look Scruffy, outside, goooo outside, Scruffy." Your dog, inquisitive but hesitant about this new contraption, seems to resist passing under the plastic flap to go outside. Do not become discouraged, these useful tips gathered by professional dog trainers and loving pet owners can help you teach a young or old pup how to use a pet door.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Treats
2 people
Daily training time
Patience

Pet Door Training

Step 1

Get the good treats! If diet permits, pick up some scrumptious meat- or chicken-flavored treats from a local pet store. You want your pet focused on obtaining more treats instead of the act of going through the pet door.
Step 2

Use one or two people. This training is ideal with two people, but if there is only one, here is how to start. Close all other doors leading to the outside. Choose whether to start the dog from the inside or outside then you go to the opposite. Lift up the plastic flap and begin to coax your dog to walk through the door. You may need to tease him with a treat just inside the entrance to get him to approach the door. As he tastes the yummy treat and wants another, gradually guide him through the door with additional treats and praise. A big hesitation and adjustment for dogs is the sensation of the plastic flap up against their face or slapping them on the back or tail when they exit. If you are using two people, have one person on each side of the door and continue to coax, reward and praise your dog for each passage.
Step 3

Use positive reinforcement. Make sure to offer positive praise and reinforcement for all effort. Do not be surprised if your dog isn't sold on the idea at first. Some dogs might get it right away, but others need time and patience. Try not let your frustration overcome the training process.
Step 4

Give a gentle nudge. If your dog needs some reassurance that the door is not scary or harmful, you might need to introduce the door to her together. Taking your dog over to the door using treats or encouragement might be the gentle push he/she needs to gain comfort. Another method is to place treats on the opposite side and gently guide the dog through the door enough for her to see the treats. Having them experience the door first hand with your assistance and praise may help them gain confidence. However, do not force your dog through the door, if may have a reverse effect.

Comments

jaimelf1 said

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on 10/3/2009 I followed all the steps above unsuccessfully with my Yorkie-Eskimo, including many long sessions over a period of weeks. I finally cut up an old cotton placemat and she happily pushed through that 'door' over the summer. I just re-installed the doggy door as the cold weather approaches and still wasn't successful. It finally occurred to me to try taping the old placemat pieces on either side of the plastic doggy door. It took her less than a minute to decide that she could now go through the door without having to push against the apparently distasteful plastic door. It took her the rest of the day to get her 'move' down and not circle around a few times before making the bold move.