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 will react differently to a doggy door, with the most adventurous ones going through it immediately and with more wary ones trying to avoid 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.

Some Training Tips

In reality, it is quite easy to train your dog to use the doggy door that has been newly installed, and if you’ve never got one installed, you can just follow the instructions given when you purchase your doggy door. Keep in mind that this door is new and will make some funny sounds.

The main process involves to place the dog in front of the doggy door and use your left hand to open the flap (or your right hand, if you’re left-handed) and then use your right hand to push the dog gently through the door. To make this more effective, it is recommended that a person stands on the other side of the doggy door with a piece of food that the dog likes or the dog’s favorite toy.

You can also train your dog by playing with him. Throw a toy through the doggy door and urge your dog to bring it back to you by making him go through the door. Your dog will go through the doggy door when you hold the flap to one side, but will refuse to go outside on his own. That’s expected, but eventually, he will go out after some time. If you find your dog still hesitating, assist him by lifting the door flap and gently stroking him to go through.

You can use the same process to make the dog come into the house for foor or rest. It’s important not to punish or scold the dog, because it might associate the doggy door with something that’s wrong. Instead, reward your dog when it uses the door.

If a friend of yours has a dog that can use a doggy door, bring your dog to your friend’s house 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.

If you install a doggy door, both you and your dog will be freer. Remember that some training will still be necessary. Training is very light and after a little while, your dog will be using the doggy door with ease.