Understanding and Training Your Dog to Use a Doggie Door
Introducing a dog to a new doggie door, or teaching a new pet to navigate an existing one, requires a bit of patience and training. Dogs don’t instinctively know how to use these convenient exits, so even seasoned pet owners may benefit from a few pointers on the subject. Let’s delve into the advantages of having a doggie door and the steps to train a dog to use it with ease.
The Advantages of a Doggie Door
Doggie doors offer a world of convenience for pets and their owners. These specialized entryways provide dogs with access to a secure outdoor space—be it a fenced yard or an enclosed patio—allowing them to play, relieve themselves, or simply enjoy some fresh air whenever they feel the need. Owners can teach their dogs to recognize when it’s time to go outside, use the doggie door to exit and enter the home, and promptly return after doing their business. However, it’s crucial to lock the doggie door when no one is home or during the night to prevent unwanted visitors, including wildlife, from entering the home.
Common Reactions to a New Doggie Door
Dogs encountering a doggie door for the first time may show reluctance or confusion. Unlike other training experiences that owners can directly share with their pets, such as leash walking or command training, using a doggie door involves a dog learning to push through a flap that seems to be part of a solid barrier. The American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests patience and the support of a friend or family member to guide the dog and demonstrate how it’s done.
How to Train Your Dog to Use a Doggie Door
Turning the training process into a playful activity can greatly enhance a dog’s willingness to engage with the doggie door. It’s most effective when someone in the home can assist with the training. Start by either removing the door flap or securing it in an open position. One person should remain inside with the dog, while another positions themselves just outside the door where the dog can see them.
Using a cheerful voice and a visible treat, call the dog to encourage them to pass through the door opening. Upon their arrival, lavish them with praise and physical affection to reinforce the positive behavior. Repeat this exercise multiple times until the dog shows no hesitation in using the opening. As they grow more accustomed to the doggie door, they may start using it independently.
Once the dog is comfortable with the open doorway, repeat the training with the doggie door flap in place but unlocked. It may be necessary to manually lift the flap initially to show the dog that it’s safe and to reveal the yard beyond. If the dog is hesitant about the flap touching them, consider using a less rigid material, like a towel, as a transitional barrier before reinstalling the original doggie door flap.
It’s equally important to train the dog to return indoors on command or after their outdoor activities. This ensures that the dog doesn’t remain outside during bad weather. The same training methods can be used to teach the dog to re-enter the home.
Providing a dog with the autonomy to go outside as needed is liberating for both the pet and the owner. The dog gains the ability to relieve itself without assistance, and the owner can take pride in their pet’s newfound confidence and independence. Mastering the use of a doggie door may take a few days, but the resulting freedom is a rewarding achievement for any canine.
Contributor Bio
Angela Tague is a pet parent and writer from the Midwest. When not experimenting in the kitchen, exploring nature trails with her dog, or participating in yoga workshops, she writes full-time for various lifestyle and technology publications. Angela can be found on Twitter and LinkedIn under the handle @AngelaTague.
