[Entwine]

I did a search on the forums, but nothing really came up in regard to my question. If there is a thread, I apologize in advance. ;S

Yesterday, we installed a doggy door for Misty. Now, all day I've been coaxing her in and out of it with treats, plenty of praise, and have NEVER forced her through it or anything of the negative sort. I've been holding it open and gradually holding it lower and lower. We're to the point now that she will go through with me holding the door open about half of a centimeter from its resting position. She ABSOLUTELY will not try and go through it when it is in its resting position, and I'm not sure why. All she does it paw at it.

Might it be that I just need to give it more time and practice, or am I doing something wrong?

 

[spotted nikes]

Keep practicing. Take a high value treat outside with you and close her in the house. Go to the doggie door, and call her. Stick your hand in so she knows you have the treat, then pull hand all the way out, and call her really excited. She will eventually go out. (If she gets really excited about going for walks, take her leash outside, or have her outside when you get her leash and ask loudly if she wants to go for a walk.)

(Or you can reverse it and have her out and you in.)

 

[Entwine]

And of course.. Right after I posted, I did one more training session for the night.. And she's going through without me even having to bend down and coax her.

Shame on my lack of patience. Lol!