Training Your Dog to Use the Screen Door

Dog Trainer Brandon McMillan demonstrates how to quickly teach your dog to use a doggy door! Each product has been independently selected by our editorial team. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Dog Trainer Brandon McMillan’s passion is rescuing dogs and helping them find their forever families. On this episode of “Lucky Dog,” we are introduced to Nicky, a sweet Wheaten Terrier Mix Brandon is preparing for adoption. After a brief medical scare, Nicky is able to start her training and Brandon is impressed by her knack for learning. But before Nicky is ready to go to the home Brandon has in mind, she will have to master using a doggy door. Can she do it? Find out in the clip below! Lucky Dog is on Sundays starting at 9:00AM Eastern | 8:00AM Central! Watch for FREE on Dabl - click here to find out where to watch! You can always check our schedule here.  The first step in Nicky’s training is ...

  A Guide to Cat Flap and Dog Door Training If you've recently invested in a dog door, you're one step closer to enriching your pets’ lives! But before you can enjoy the benefits of giving your dogs and cats unrestrained access outdoors, you need to train them to use it.  That’s right. Not every pet will take to their pet door like ducks to water. If they aren’t taught how to step through the flap, your pet door may go unused forever. But with time and patience, you can definitely teach an old dog new tricks.  While we aren't professional dog trainers, we're pet door experts well-versed in the basics of dog training. Not only have we heard plenty of stories from frustrated pet parents who can’t get their pets to use their pet doors, but we have helped them give their pets the freedom they deserve.  Here are some dos and don'ts to guide you in your dog door training journey. Consistency is Key While pet training methods may vary, the golden rule remains: consistency...

 Introduction You’ve sat down to tuck into dinner, Game of Thrones is on, and your dog starts whining outside, signaling he wants to come in the room. You sigh a deep breath and get up to let him in. This is a procedure that happens regularly, perhaps even daily. Whether you’re outside or in the garage, he can’t open the sliding door and it’s driving you mad. If you could just train him to open the sliding door for himself he’d be able to come and go as he pleases, and give you some well-deserved peace and quiet. It’s also ideal for ensuring he can still get in and around the house when you’re not there. If he can open doors, he’ll have a much bigger space to roam when you’re out shopping or at work. Using his brain for this task might make it easier to teach him a range of other things too. Defining Tasks Training him to open a door isn’t as difficult as you might think. At the moment, he doesn’t know how, but once you’ve shown him and he’s done it a couple of times, he’ll quick...

If you have a friend or family member who is available, it can be helpful to have a second person with you so there is someone on both sides of the door or wall.  This helps the pet learn that they can go back and forth, both in and out. Works for Dogs and Cats Even if they have never used a pet door before, almost any pet can be easily trained to use your new Hale Pet DoorTM by using a few simple guidelines. The most important things to remember are patience and positive reinforcement.   Never force or push your pet through the pet door.  This is a new experience for them and they need time to adapt. Make this a fun experience for both your pet and you and success will usually come quickly. Training a Dog to Use a Pet Door   Wait until your pet wants to go outside to use the pet door for the first time.  At this time, bring your pet to the pet door, go to the other side of the door and open the flaps toward you.  Training a Dog to Use a Hale Pet Do...

 In the canine companion circle, nothing says freedom like a dog door. Your pup can come and go as they please, making potty time a breeze, right? But just because you install one doesn’t mean Fido knows how to use it. So how do you train your dog to use a doggie door? Training Your Pup to Use a Dog Door: Step-by-Step Guide Getting your dog to use a dog door isn’t the same as giving them a new dog bowl. The idea of a doggy door is pretty much a foreign concept to your pup. Therefore, expect there to be a bit of a learning curve. Grab a handful of training treats and prepare to spend a few minutes teaching your pup how to use the dog door. Don’t attempt to tackle the whole process in one session. Take it a step at a time, observing how quickly your dog grasps each step. As your dog succeeds at a particular task, you can move on to the next step. Be patient, don’t force your dog to use the door, and stay calm and positive. 1. Introduce Your Dog to Their New Doorway After installing ...

 Are you wondering what this pet screen door is? A small door-like opening allows pets to enter and exit the room without needing humans. The door for pets gives your cats and dogs the freedom to go in or out without asking for your help; they are perfect for their potty breaks or playtime. For both active pets and busy pet owners, a pet door may be the ideal option. Numerous problems are resolved when pets can go outside on their own. As a result, both the pet and the owner are more independent. The following are some advantages of a door for pets:     There will be no more scheduling and planning around letting the pet out.     There will be no more unexpected wake-ups in the middle of the night.     Less mess to clean up in the home     Greater freedom and more exercise for pets Here are three easy ways to train your pet to use the pet screen door: 1. Using Verbal Encouragement:  Using verbal encouragement is the first step you can ta...