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Training your pet to use a pet door

Pet Door Training
Step by Step

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Training your cat or dog to use a pet door

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.

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Grab a friend or family member to help you out

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.

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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.

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Gently coax your pet through the door by using his favorite toy or treat.

You can use the same method in reverse to bring your pet back inside when he is ready.

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Repeat this process.

Repeating this process at least a few times will help your pet get familiar with the idea of going through this new opening.

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After repeating the above process once or twice, gently lay the flaps on your pet’s back when he walks through the door.

This will get him used to the feeling of the flaps on his back and also get him used to the idea of pushing on the flaps.

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Hold the flaps a little less each time.

Finally, show your pet that the flaps are easily movable and not an impassable barrier. Do this by gently flipping the flaps open. This entire process is usually done in one afternoon.

Your pet will be a pro in no time.

The time it takes will depend on your pet. Some animals are more adventurous than others. Puppies tend to be fearless, while senior dogs may be a bit hesitant. Just keep offering positive reinforcement. It may take a few days, but they will get there.

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