Living with humans isn’t always an easy thing to do. Learning where and when to poop is most difficult especially if you’re a dog. Opening doors is very hard for your dog but you can work with them to get the door open. Here’s how.
Learn The Signals
Not all dog parents understand the signals. After all, we are busy, in another room or can’t pay attention sometimes. These examples aren’t always picked up or noticed.
Scratching the door
Pacing
Moving into a corner, near plants or behind furniture (Hey, I’m going to leave you a present!)
Whining
Sniffing
Raising a leg near something (particularly if male)
Circling
Getting in their face and whining, nudging or staring
When you see this type of communication, take your dog out and quickly reward with a treat immediately when finished. Not all pooches know how to communicate it’s time to go out. Training to ring a bell may work best for you both.
Ring The Bell
Teaching a simple and effective method of ringing a bell hanging on or near the doorknob. Doing so can alert you even when you are not in the room. Purchasing a bell or set of sleigh bells that you can hang on or near the door. As with any training session, be sure to have small treats ready to rewarding. Immediately upon task completion, reward the good behavior and take them out.
Hold the bells close to your dog’s nose who will likely sniff the bell out of curiosity. If not, rub a treat on the bell to attract sniffing. Each time you take your pup out, make your pup ring the bell and say “outside” or some other keyword. Your friend’s association with the bell and the word will allow you to “ask” if it’s time. Reward with a treat and praise while taking out immediately.
After learning to ring, attach the bells with a sturdy string, rope, or ribbons to the doorknob. You may have to repeat the ringing process many times and hold the bells at a greater distance over time. When taking out your dog be sure he rings the bell. If not ringing, go back to holding the bells closer for your dog to sniff and ring. Speaking the keyword when ringing. Timing is very important.
Practicing this method several times a day will reinforce the behavior and is very beneficial for young pups that may not be able to hold for extended amounts of time. Even in the middle of the night if needed. Training a young or older dog with this technique or any task may take several days. Don’t lose patience. Train to ring every time your dog needs to go or when you take him out. Greatly reward the elimination duty greatly and immediately when completed.
Potty Or Playtime
Clever dogs figure out that ringing the bell gets them outside more than you wish if only to play. It can be tiresome. Teach your dog that ringing is only for potty time by clipping on a leash and taking the dog directly to the place where you wish them to go. Don’t play, wait patiently for about three minutes or longer. If your dog goes, great. Reward and praise! If not, don’t play and take him back inside without rewards.
Still Going Inside
After teaching to ring the bell your dog still goes inside, review the articles on house training. It might be your dog has health issues that need attention or has eaten something that wasn’t good for them. Your efforts will be rewarding by working with your friend, patiently and attentively.