Training A Dog How To Use A Dog Door

Dog doors are a great invention that can reduce stress on physically impaired owners or take some of the burden off pet sitters when the dog owners are away.

Electronic pet doors offer the great advantage of only opening when your dog is coming in or going out, and they can be programmed to stay shut when necessary. They allow dogs free range access to a fenced in backyard or dog run and lessen the burden on the owner for needing to walk the dog.

To cut a dog door, you need to measure your pet’s height across his shoulders, as he will lower his head to push the door and his width across the widest part, which will likely be his shoulders. Make sure the dog is large enough with these measurements. You can then trace out the height and width onto cardboard and call the measurements into the dog door company. You can cut the door or have the door cut as needed, depending on what the company suggests.

Training to use a dog door typically requires showing the dog how the door works. The (electronic) automatic dog door may be easier for your dog since it will automatically open when his transmitter on his collar is near. But for a manual door, you might need to show your dog how to exit and enter.

Bring your dog to the door, and you push it open with your hand. That may be all he needs. If not, have someone stand outside and call the dog. Push the door with your hand. Then let him push it himself. If that doesn’t work, have the person outside hold your dog’s favorite treat and call him using “cookie” or whatever command your dog knows for treats.

If you don’t have a helper and are working this training alone, you can use the treat method or his favorite toy. Take his treat, wave it near his nose so he knows what it is, and place the treat through the other side of the dog door so he must push the door for the treat. Do it again but place the treat further on the other side. Then to bring him in, wave the treat near outside the door, then bring the treat inside.

You can also leave your dog inside and go out with his favorite toy (a ball maybe) and call him. Once he comes through the door, reward him with a game of fetch.

You may also try tossing the toy back and forth through the dog door so he gets the feel of pushing the door.

Dogs can figure out how to push doors open to rooms, especially doors that don’t latch securely. Your dog will figure out the dog door in no time with a little repetition, patience and reward. It will likely only take him a few minutes to understand.

Make sure that your yard is sufficiently contained so that using the pet door will not allow your dog to run off. Also ensure that your dog always wears identification, even if your yard is fenced, in case he digs out or someone accidentally leaves your fence open. (Gardeners, lawn tenders, and electrical companies doing meter readings, etc. have all been known to not latch fence gates securely. You may want to padlock your gates.)

Next article: Reasons For Having A Dog Fence

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