Pet door training is one of the easier skills that your pet can master. With a pet door, your pets will have a high level of motivation to get to the other side. Whether it is a visit to the grass to use the bathroom, or just a quick sniff around, it won’t take your pets long to understand their newfound freedom.

For adult pets that have never used a pet door in the past, start by introducing them to the door. Sit on the floor next to the pet door and tap your fingers on it. You can gently open the door and allow your pet to investigate and sniff what is on the other side. Your pet may even want to walk through the door, which is fine too!

Once you have familiarized your pet with the idea of a whole new world on the other side of the pet door, try getting them to use it on their own. Leave your pet inside and go out on the other side of the pet door. Once again, sit down by the pet door, this time on the opposite side of your pet. Hold the flap open and allow them to come out. 

Next, go back inside (leaving your pet outside) and repeat the same exercise opening the flap and allowing your pet inside. Repeat this exercise 8-10 times. For some pets, this may be enough to get them using the door themselves. If not, move on to the next step. Treat/toy motivation.

While sitting on the opposite side of the door as your pet, open the flap just enough to show them their favorite treat or toy. Pull the treat/toy back out, allowing your pet to sniff and know what is on the other side. Your pet may start poking his or her nose through the door, which is what you want. At this point, encourage your pet to come all the way through by moving the treat/toy further away so they must move their entire body through the door.

Repeat this exercise several times until your pets are familiar with the concept of moving freely through the door. Once again, this may be the final step for some pets who catch on quickly. If not, start moving yourself and their treat/toy further away from the door and calling for them after showing them the toy/treat. You could also try new treats or toys to provide additional motivation. 

Typically, once your pet understands that they can move freely between the house and yard, this is motivation enough. For younger pets, it may take more time until their bodies are able to navigate the pet door. You could try and provide temporary steps on both sides of the pet door to help in navigating the door, or just wait until they grow into it (which doesn’t take long!). Younger pets also learn from older pets, so if you have an adult who can use the door, chances are the younger pet will soon learn by watching their older sibling.