When you potty train a puppy, you are constantly on alert for when they need to go outside. By installing a doggy door and teaching your pet how to use it, you give your pet the ability to come and go as they please…quite literally.

Prepare the Doggy Door and Your Puppy for Potty Training

It is helpful to corral the doggy door with a set of baby gates before introducing your pet to it. This approach will promote a training regimen where your furry friend can only pass in and out of the doggy door. Through consistent conditioning and practice, your pet will eventually learn to utilize the doggy door whenever they need to relieve themselves or venture outside.

Get Puppy’s Attention Outdoors

NThe next step is easy. Simply walk outside of where the doggy door exits your home. If your puppy comes easily, that is great, they are already comfortable using their new doggy door. Now be able to direct them out the door when they get the call from nature. If your pet is skittish, fearful, or not sure what to do next, it’s time to move on to the next step.

Provide Encouragement for Dog Potty Training

For some puppies, a new environment in your home is already overly stimulating and they may struggle with staying focused when trying to use the new pet door. Never force your dog or cat into using the pet door by pushing them. Be gentle and always proceed slowly. Consider what positive reinforcement your pet will respond to best when potty training. Treats and rewards that are offered on the other side of the door when dog potty training along with praise and pets can go a long way. Sometimes just the smell of your dog’s favorite treat and seeing you on the other side of the door will do the trick. When teaching your furry friend how to use a dog door, it is important to consider which methods of positive reinforcement they respond best to during potty training. Offering treats and rewards on the other side of the door, along with verbal praise and affection for your pets, can greatly aid in the process. Simply the scent of your pup’s favorite treat and the sight of you on the other side of the door may be enough to encourage them.

How to Potty Train a Puppy

How to Train Your Dog to Use a Dog Door

Now that you have your puppy walking through the dog door on their own, it is time to potty train your puppy. You can also remove the gates and give them free rein to come and go through the doggy door.

If you are using a potty pad inside, move the potty pad to the outside area beyond the doggy door. When your puppy shows signs of needing to use the potty, encourage them to go through the door. Now provide praise, treats, or rewards whenever your puppy makes it to the potty successfully.

The time to end the rewards is when they come to you expecting a treat after they have gone outside to the puppy potty. You can pat yourself on the back for how you have potty trained your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Train Your Dog to Use a Dog Door

Get a Sliding Glass Doggy Door for Puppy Potty Training

So where can you get a secure doggy door for glass? Check out Pet Door Products. We sell the best pet doors designed exclusively for sliding glass doors and windows. You can choose between our DIY easy-to-install doggie door insert or a custom replacement sliding glass door with a dog door built-in along with our professional installation service.

Energy-Efficient Pet Doors for Sliding Glass Doors

Learn more about Pet Door Products and our energy-efficient solutions for sliding glass doors outfitted for puppy potty training. Get a free quote today by texting or calling 801-973-8000.

By the way, our doors are great for cats and other small household pets including snakes, turtles, gerbils, and other pocket pets.

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