How to Teach a Dog to Close a Door

Place the dog's weight against the door.

Since this trick is an intermediate level one, your dog should have already learned some basics such as sit and stay.

To start, have some dog treats on hand. Take your dog to an open door and gently lift his front paws up against the door and say, "Close the door." Then let the dog's weight force the door shut. Give him a treat and praise him generously. This picture is not exactly accurate, as you should not be using the collar to hold the dog up, but my helper was trying to stay out of the picture at the time. Make sure whatever phrase you use, "Shut the door," or "Close the door," is consistent so as not to confuse the dog

Repeat several more times. Give the dog a break.

After giving the dog a mental break, it's time to start again. This time, however, motion to the door as the dog is in a sitting or standing position and give the command, "Shut the door." Some dogs will get what you want and jump against the door. If yours, doesn't, gently place your dog's feet against the door and give him the command again. Repeat again.

Eventually, your dog should get the idea and be able to shut an open door if you are standing nearby, motioning to the door, and giving the command.

The next step is for your dog to shut the door when you are not standing right next to him. Gradually move farther away from the door with the dog. Say, "Shut the door," and motion the dog towards the door. Your dog may be confused at first, but will learn to go towards the door and shut it. Praise and treats are very important once again.

Eventually, your dog will be able to close the door even when you are not standing right next to it on command. And if he is like my dog, he will soon just shut the door behind him after he enters a room.