Doggie Door Training

Training a dog to use a pet or doggie door can take a little time but is quite simple. A closed dog door usually offers no view of the other side to entice the dog to move through the opening. The training process starts with the flap of the dog door removed and gradually leads to closing the door as the dog becomes more accustomed to using the opening.

  1. Flap Types: Early Training

    • According to the website collargirl.com, the doggie door flap should be completely removed during early training. Treats are used to lure the dog through the opening. Continue the process until the dog moves readily through the opening. For household security reasons, and to keep other dogs and vermin from entering the house, this training is only performed when the owner is present.

    Flap Types: Advanced Training

    • Gradually add material to the dog door until the flap is in place. Start with light cloth over part of the opening and continually add material until the flap is fully in place. Make sure the dog moves through the opening without hesitation before adding additional material to the opening.

    Hinged Metal Doors

    • Spring-loaded metal doors are operated by the dog using his nose on a lip of the door. The dog swings the door open from the outside by nosing the lip and from the inside by pushing on the door. Place a block on the door frame so the metal door is about 4 inches open. After a day or two, move the block so the door is about 2 inches open before removing the block.

    Experienced Dogs

    • Dogs that have used doggie doors in the past learn quickly. In some cases, holding the doggie door open and calling through the door will train the dog where the door is and remind him how to use it. Use treats if the dog is reluctant to go through the door.

    General Training

    • Shy dogs can take time to train to use a pet door. Use the same principles of dog training for dog doors as for any behavior. Consistently entice the dog and offer rewards when the behavior, in this case going through the dog door, is accomplished. Do not try to push or pull the dog through the door and never punish the animal for failing to move through the opening.