Teaching dogs to use the doggie door

[CarolfromTX]

We recently needed a new back door so I ordered one with a doggie door. It took about three days to teach two of our dogs to use it. But the third one? She was a different story. Finally I just let her stay out for a while. She barked and barked. Finally Midge, who mothers the other dogs, went over to the door and used the dog door. Then she came back in. And out and in again. She was showing Pippin how to use the door! Pippin is still reluctant to use the door, but Midge encourages her by going in and out and in and out! So stinking cute! Midge is a very smart little girl.

 

[Jules]

Love the story of Midge.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

We recently needed a new back door so I ordered one with a doggie door. It took about three days to teach two of our dogs to use it. But the third one? She was a different story. Finally I just let her stay out for a while. She barked and barked. Finally Midge, who mothers the other dogs, went over to the door and used the dog door. Then she came back in. And out and in again. She was showing Pippin how to use the door! Pippin is still reluctant to use the door, but Midge encourages her by going in and out and in and out! So stinking cute! Midge is a very smart little girl.

That is so darn cute.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[Della]

Dogs helping dogs is the sweetest thing. To get outside my dog goes from the door to the garage, through the garage, and out the small garage door -- and of course back again.

When my old nephew dog was visiting, I called them to come in and my little dachshund came, but without Rudy. I said, "Go get Rudy," so she left and came back a few minutes later, walking on her hind legs so she could lead Rudy through the garage by his beard.

 

[Sippican]

Put a treat at the opposite side of where the dog is and hold the flap open so they an see it clearly through the opening.
Once outside, do the same with the treat inside, and the the flap held open.

Once she/he get the hang of going through, then start holding the flap less and less, so her nose have to push a little, all the while seeing the treat on the other side.
Do this enough and they will be romping through both ways in no time.

Did this with three dogs, they all got the hang of it pretty quickly.

 

[againstthegrain]

Anything to stop the incessant barking!

 

[JustBonee]

We recently needed a new back door so I ordered one with a doggie door. It took about three days to teach two of our dogs to use it. But the third one? She was a different story. Finally I just let her stay out for a while. She barked and barked. Finally Midge, who mothers the other dogs, went over to the door and used the dog door. Then she came back in. And out and in again. She was showing Pippin how to use the door! Pippin is still reluctant to use the door, but Midge encourages her by going in and out and in and out! So stinking cute! Midge is a very smart little girl.

I had the same situation back in the 90's with my first two Bichons. ... doggy door was confusing for my older one, so the younger one nudged at him until he got the hang of it.
It took a while.

 

[Rossana]

@Sippican We used the same method with our two mini dachshunds. Our cats use the door now. We only had to show them once or twice how to use it. Treats were not even necessary for them, lol!