In my prior blog about Potty Training your Puppy (if you’ve not read it, the link is at the bottom), I mentioned a doggy door and I thought I’d share my tips on how to train a dog or pup to use one. I’ve had pretty great success with them. Just saying. 😊
The right door
Ok, I’m going to pre-empt this with having the right door. I’ve one at my back door and it’s brilliant and for big dogs, perfect because it’s solid and set into the security screen grill. However, I did put one into the flyscreen door to the patio and whilst Caesar was fine with it (he wasn’t as boisterous with it), lovely Theo ended up wearing the frame like a necklace. It just kept breaking time and time again when Theo used it; he would just barrel through. But I’m pleased to say the fixed and more solid one is still AOK. Naturally, choose a size suitable for your dog as an adult. Don’t worry if they are small to start with; I’ve had very small puppies use the ‘big boy’ door with great success.
Have an older dog show them
If you’ve an older dog at home, then let them do the teaching. They use the door, the younger dog watches and copies. An old dog teaching a new dog the trick. This has worked very well for us.
Puppy without an adult to show them
However, you might not have an older dog to show them the ropes, so this works well:
- Start with opening the door using pool noodles on the flap. So the door is open for them and they get used to using that space and feeling that door gently on their back. Encourage them to use their door, not the main door as you go out … so it’s a habit.
- Then as they get used to that, remove the noodles and place food treats outside the door. Open the door and encourage them out (always staying positive). Perhaps even giving them a gentle nudge out if needed. Repeat the treat process, in and out several times. You might repeat the treats two or three times and then woo hoo – they should have gotten it. Some dogs might be even quicker and not need treats, some may take a little longer.
- Lights on at night. I found, particularly with a pup, I had a light on outside and inside initially, just so they knew where the door was. You only need this a few weeks before they know this is their way out.
Ensure the outside area is puppy friendly
Just remember, if they can get out through their door, that the yard is dog-proofed and they cannot escape your yard. Fences should be strong, in good condition and watch for any digger or ‘escapism’ signs. I also recommend you teach your dog a command to not eat without your special word command. Sadly, there are some awful people in the world who will throw bait over a fence; especially if you’ve a bigger dog, or one who barks. Try to curve these behaviours but also teach your pooch not to eat just anything you’ve not given them the command to eat. Security cameras might also be helpful. I know it sounds over the top, but that’s the world we are living in these days.
Enjoy your puppy! 😊