In our experience, yes. We have met around 30,000 dogs on the job and have yet to meet one we couldn’t teach to use a pet door. Most need only a short introduction; a few need more time and patience.
Why most dogs take to a dog door
Dogs are curious, and a door of their own means they decide when to go out for fresh air, a play in the garden or a toilet break. That choice is good for them as well as convenient for you. It helps with boredom, can ease anxiety, and gives them more to do through the day.
For you, it means no more early morning or late night door duty, and no juggling your day around toilet breaks.
Why some dogs hold back
When a dog won’t use a pet door, it is rarely because the dog can’t learn. The usual reasons are:
- the flap moving or making a noise frightens them
- they are unsure about going through the opening
- they lack the confidence to go through on their own
- nobody showed them how it works when the door went in
- the method being used doesn’t suit them, or they need more time
How to help a nervous dog
A nervous dog needs a calm, steady introduction rather than a push.
- Let them look first. Let your dog sniff and inspect the door at their own pace, and let them see the flap move.
- Make it easy to start with. Holding the flap open so they can see straight through takes away the surprise of something touching them.
- Call them through calmly. Go to the other side, call them, and give plenty of praise when they come through.
- Never force them. Pushing a dog through the door usually makes the fear worse.
- Stick to one method. Mixing techniques confuses dogs. Short, regular, calm sessions work best.
How our pet door training works
Pet door training is free with every door we install. We introduce your dog to the door on the day, or show you our method so you can keep practising at home.
We don’t rely on treats. We help your dog get familiar with the door and the way the flap moves, understand that it is their own way in and out, and build the confidence to use it on their own. We adjust to each dog’s personality, and we never force a dog through. Since 2013, fewer than five installation customers have needed a second training visit, and those visits were free.
If you have questions about your dog’s behaviour more generally, we are happy to spend around 10 minutes on the day talking it through, at no charge for installation customers.
If your dog won’t use a door you already have
We can help even if we didn’t install the door. We visit, work out why your dog is holding back, and train them, for a small service fee.
A well fitted door helps
A door that is the wrong size, or a flap that is too stiff for a small dog, makes training harder. We size the door to your dog and fit it to suit. See dog door sizes and our dog doors for every type of door.
To book, call 0421 575 229 or get a quote online.
