Last year, DH installed a doggy door in the screen door. We hoped to just leave the front door open and let the dogs go in and out through the flap during the day. The concept was a good one, but they refuse to use it with the flap on. They act as if it is a barrier the same as the door is. I honestly thought that once they tried it that they would get the hang of it.
I stupidly thought that if we took the flap off they would realize it was indeed a portal to the outside. They do love the giant hole in the door. Jack goes in and out as if it's a game. Put the flap on and he is whining at the door for me to let him out. We have tried treats, going for the mail, calling for them - nothing seems to compel them to push that lightweight flap.
Meanwhile, we have every type of flying critter coming for a visit while the flap is off. It's taking a toll on me to constantly have to let them in and out on the sunny days. (My nerves, anyway) Summer with its wasps and hornets will be here soon. I am tired of playing doorman, you know? Jill will stay out for hours, but just let me shut the big front door and she is whining to get in. I guess I did this mess myself. Now, how do I train these spoiled animals to use the flap?
have never had a dog door so have zero advice to give you. :)
ReplyDeleteI have no idea, dogs aren't like cats.
ReplyDeleteGracie acted this way towards the ramp that Gary made her to get onto the bed. I would literally push her up it to get treats that we place on the top. We kept doing it over and over and over again and now she finally gets it... Though she is still a little reluctant at times.
ReplyDeleteI have pushed, then they get belligerent. Been there with the treats, not doing anything with that flap is preferable to any old treat.
DeleteI've had zero experience with this but I'll offer a thought. How about trying something see through and very light weight and see what they do. If they can see outside or see inside perhaps they'll complete the push.
ReplyDeleteAm I wrong to assume you live in a more rural setting? My concern would be for raccoons, squirrels, etc that might decide to come in for a visit.
The flap is translucent. Jury rigging something else would probably be a waste of time. The door kit was a brand name - I had hopes. The flap swings quite freely, I have it set higher, so the magnet is not touching the frame magnet. Not sealed off, but it's summer.
DeleteHaven't had anyone else try to come in and visit, lol.
Gee I have no idea but I have thought I had a good idea about something and it completely backfires.
ReplyDeleteI thought it would be so easy - shows you what I know.
DeleteI think it's a good question, and I wondered myself, so I googled it ... Below is a link to the page with some suggestions. I like the one where you drop the flap while they're walking through it. We did the same kind of thing to get the dogs to walk through a flap in the screen door and it worked. Here's the link address:
ReplyDeletehttp://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/5464-doggy-door-training-lisa-peterson
Let us know how it goes
Email to follow, thanks Kim!
DeleteI am rather surprised that they aren't "getting" it. That does sound frustrating for you. Silly dogs!! Hope Kim at Golden Pines link helps you figure out a way to train them.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say? Jack is stubborn and Jill is very timid and they face everything I want them to do as if it's a lightning storm over flowing hot lava.
DeleteAnimals are a quirky lot. Some dogs absolutely won't use the doggy door just like some cats don't use the liter box. I think the dogs are trainable though and with a little bit of time they will eventually get the hang of it.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to work harder at it when DH comes home. I say the dogs are dumb, but I don't really think they are. They have their own slave, don't they?
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