After installing a doggy door, most dogs can adapt to one easily, but others might take a few days to learn to use it. Every dog is different, just like people, and thus while some of them will use it the first time they see it, others might be wary and smell it to see if they can find some information about it. Your dog might not be make the connection that this is a new way of leaving and entering the house and will require time to adapt, and you should be patient with your pet in this process.

A Few Training Tips

Actually, it’s not difficult at all to train your dog to understand that a new door has been installed, although it may take some patience of your part, just follow the instructions that come with the door on how to install it and train your dog. Keep in mind that this door is new and will make some funny sounds.

You can start your dog training by pushing the flap of door open with your hand to show that he can go through it. This is even more effective if a person that the dog is familiar with stands on the other side of the door with something that the dog likes.

Another approach that you can take is use your dog’s playfulness to train it. If your dog likes to play fetch, throw a toy or a stick inside the house through the doggy door, which will be held open by another person. As your dog goes into the house, the other person should let go of the flap, which may make the dog hesitant to open it on its own. This will happen a few times, but then its playfulness will win in the end. If you find your dog still hesitating, assist him by lifting the door flap and gently stroking him to go through.

You can also take advantage when your dog needs to eat or rest to make it go inside the house through the door. It’s important not to punish or scold the dog, because it might associate the doggy door with something that’s wrong. Try the reward system instead.

If you have a friend or relative that has a dog that uses doggy doors, then bring your dog over to watch. Very often, dogs imitate other dogs, specially if they are rewarded by their human masters, and it will make training easier for you.

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Filed under: Pets Advice

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