There are many benefits to having a dog door installed in your home. They can help you save money on heating and cooling costs, as well as allow your dog the freedom of going out for potty breaks without you needing to go with them.
But sometimes, installing a dog door is not possible or practical. What if there’s no place for it?
Is it okay if my puppy uses the doggie door?
No, puppies should not use doggies doors until they are at least six months old. This is because puppies have more delicate immune systems than fully grown dogs, so they need extra protection from germs that could be on the other side of the pet flap.
This means that while some adult pets can use their doors at six months, some puppies shouldn’t use their pet door until they are nine to twelve months old.
You can also wait until your puppy has all of his vaccinations. Puppies need to be vaccinated every few weeks before 16 weeks for complete immunity against the most dangerous canine diseases.
Keeping your pup indoors while you’re home and taking him outside to potty until he is fully vaccinated will help you protect him.
Be aware that even dull old colds can be dangerous for young puppies, so it’s best to keep them indoors until they are finished with their vaccinations and have gained some immunity against illness.
What Age Can a Puppy Use a Doggie Door?
If you plan to put a pet door in for your doggie, it’s best to wait until they are six months old. This will cut down on both the number of times you need to take them out, as well as how often they tinkle indoors if they can’t hold it.
If you have young children or other pets in the home, a puppy could quickly become a furry projectile if he goes through the pet door before he’s ready to have all of his shots.
How Do I Get My Puppy to Use the Doggie Door?
To teach your pet to use the doggie door, you’ll want to make it as easy as possible for them. First, place their food, water, and bed on the other side of the dog flap, so they have to explore and go through it at least once a day.
Under listed are few steps to follow:
Step 1: Call Your Dog to You
When your pet comes to you, make sure they are calm. Your pet must respond to your call and do not feel anything serious about it.
Step 2: Walk Your Pet Through the Doorway Using Treats
Holding small treats in your opposite hand, walk your dog through the doorway.
If you have a treat in your hand, they will quickly learn to associate the doggie door with something good.
Step 3: Put Down the Door Entry
As soon as your dog goes through, give them the treat to know that they are doing it right. Give lots of praise at each stage so they are confident and excited about using their doggie door.
Step 4: Let Your Dog Go Through the Door On Their Own
It will take up to 20 passes for your dog to become familiar with their doggie door.
Once they start using it, be sure to praise them and give them a treat as soon as they emerge on the other side.
Step 5: Reward Your Dog With a Chew Toy
After your pet has gone through the doggie door on their own, reward them with a chew toy. Your dog will learn that going through their doggie door is always followed by the chew toy.
If your pet does not chew on toys, try using food or praise instead of a chew toy to make sure they associate it with something good.
Step 5: Call Your Dog Back the Other Way
Call them back in the opposite direction after your pet has gone through the doggie door once on their own.
This will start to teach your dog to always go back into their enclosure after they have done their business.
Not all puppies are meant to use a pet door; however, you should be able to get your baby pup used to the idea with some patience and treats.
Are Doggie Doors Good for Puppies?
It’s best to wait until your dog is six months old before installing a doggie door. This will give them time to get used to going outside and pottying on their while also learning the other necessary skills for growing up.
If you have more minor children or any other pets that might be at risk of getting hurt, it’s best to wait until your puppy has all their shots and is a bit bigger.
Then, once you’ve given them the okay from the veterinarian that it’s safe, they’ll be able to start using their doggie door in no time!
What is the Hardest Puppy Breed to Potty Train with a Dog Door?
If your dog is not used to using a doggie door, it will be more difficult to learn if they are less active.
In addition, bigger dogs that are easily distracted or lack motivation might also have trouble adapting to the change.
It’s best to wait until your puppy is at least six months old before you decide on having a pet door installed.
The older they are, the easier it will be for them to get used to going outdoors and doing their business while also learning other necessary life skills.