How to Train a Dog to Go Through a Doggie Door

Teach your dog to get outside on its own.

After you've installed a doggie door, spend time training your dog to use it. Timid dogs may require extra effort, but with time and patience, most dogs get the hang of it. Make sure your door is big enough to accommodate your dog before starting your training or your dog will be discouraged from trying even with one the right size.

Things You'll Need

• dog
• doggie door
• very tasty treats
• dog that already uses a doggie door (optional)

Instructions

1. Ask a friend to assist you at the dog door. While your friend stays inside with your dog, grab a favorite dog treat and step outside. From the other side of the dog door, call for your dog; hold the door flap open so the dog can see you, if necessary. Reward your dog with the treat and praise when it gets through the door. Repeat with your friend holding a treat on the inside.

2. Recruit a dog that knows how to use the dog door. With your dog watching, nudge the trained dog through the door. Lure him with a treat, if necessary. From the outside, hold out another treat and call for your dog. Repeat several times to reinforce the training.

3. After each training session, reward your dog with a tasty treat and lots of praise . Be patient and anticipate accidents as your dog learns this new skill.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain you have a doggie door that is sized appropriately for your dog's size. Don't expect a dog that is not used to doggie doors to attempt to go through a smallish doggie door.

• If you can't get your dog to try the doggie door, just slow down and repeat each step many, many times before moving on to the next step.

• Install a lock on the doggie door if safety is a concern at night.

References

• American Kennel Club: AKC Syndicate