Training Tips for Puppies (and How to Get Them Used to Their Pet Door)

A pet door can be an innovative way to housebreak your dog. By completing a pet door installation, you can give your dog the freedom to come and go when they need to. Yet most dogs don’t automatically know the door is for them, or how to use it.

How to Teach a Dog to Use a Doggie Door

At some point, you’ll want to transition your dog from relieving themselves indoors to going outside. The best puppy training tips to accomplish this are to:

• Set up an outdoor safe haven: Familiarize your dog with the yard, setting up an enclosed area for them. You can find somewhere on your balcony or patio as well. If concerned about your dog escaping, block the area with fencing or boards.
• Show them the way: That high-tech pet door from Australia Pet Doors might look great to you, but your dog hasn’t seen it before. Start by taking them out through the dog door (instead of other doors). Also, confine them to an area right near the door while inside.
• Set up a training schedule: Potty training with a doggie door should take place when your dog is alert and active and during short 10-minute sessions. Reward your dog with treats when they behave correctly. If you do multiple sessions per day, allow for a few hours in between each one.
• Start from the opposite side as your dog: First, your dog needs to know you are on the other side of the door. If the dog door is installed in a regular door, use that one. Some dog doors install in normal walls; in that case, make sure they see you exiting before training starts.
• Start with the Flap Up: Lift the flap to start; if it hits your dog the first time, they might be afraid. If you have a microchip pet door, disable the mechanism and lift the flap as far as possible.

• Interact with your dog: Call them enthusiastically by name and reward them with affection and treats. As your dog gets used to the door, lower the flap little by little each time. Eventually, they should learn to use the flap without being called.

If you’re ready to install a smart pet door for any size of cat or dog in Brisbane, South Port, Gold Coast, or Sunshine Coast, Australia, browse our catalog at Australia Pet Doors or call us at +61-437-644-330 today.