doggy door training (deja!)

[Formula86]

ok, i have a ques:

this is how i've been potty training my dogs so far because i live in an apt:
i say, "let's go outside!" and then they freak out (haha) and i put them both on their leashes and take them to the spot that they go in all the time and i say, "go potty!" a bunch of times and they go.
well, hopefully i will be moving into a house with a big yard soon (in the next few months) and i will have a doggy door for them.
my ques is: how do i train them to take themselves out and use the backyard using the doggy door? especially when i'm not there, so maybe i can leave them out.
i think i have some ideas, but i would like any/everyone's ideas and methods!
thanks!

[Formula86]

bumpity bump bump! just thought i'd move this up so you guys remembered it.

[Micki]

Just entice them to go in and out of it with treats. They’ll soon catch on and then they’ll be in and out all the time! Mine LOVE their door! My Westie was 7 when we got the doggie door and had been living in an apartment his whole life before that. We did have to push him put gently at first to get him to go out. Then would go out the big door. As soon as he was ready to come back in, I would put him in a sit, stay and go in the big door. I wouldn’t let him in the big door, but I would offer a treat to get him to come in the pet door. At first, I lifted the flap for him to come in and I lowered it a bit each time.

Once they get the hang of it, they’ll wear that flap out!

[Deja]

Hi Formula Sorry I missed this post!!

The first thing I would do is get them used to the new yard and their new surroundings *with you* guiding them before you start training them on the door. You want to make sure that the yard is totally safe for them to be left unsupervised in. If you want them to only "potty" in a certain area of the yard - select the area and take them out on the leash (the way you are doing now) to the "potty area" and praise them for going there. Once you know they are comfortable, safe and have accepted the new yard as their own, start training them to use the doggie-door.

Miki is right, they will get the hang of it in no time.
Put them in a down/stay and go out the "human" door by yourself. Entice them through the doggy door with a yummy treat.

Before you start you may want to get down on your hands and knees and show them it's safe by pushing the flap open with your hand. When they poke their noses near the door to smell the fresh air give them lots and lots of praise. Just make it fun - and like a game and they will do great. You may need to tie or prop the flap opened at first if they don't get the hang of pushing it open on thier own. Lower it as they get used to coming in and out. They will *get it* - the reward will eventually be getting outside - and coming back inside!

To get them to use the door to come inside (they don't always realize it works the same way from the inside as it does from the outside ) just do the same thing, entice them inside with a treat.
Once they go in and out a few times and realize they can come and go at will you will be home free.

I know I don't have to remind you of this but I have to add:
If they are going to be left outside for any length of time -
Always make sure they have access to fresh water at all times and safe shelter from the heat, cold or rain. If they are small breed dogs be certain that they are safe from other animals (i.e. coyote, fox, hawks) - toy breed dogs can't defend themselves and aren't a threat to other animals. As confident and territorial as a toy breed can be, they are prey. Never leave your dogs unattended outside for very long periods of time. Just as they can get bored and act out destructively inside, they can outside as well.

Good luck in your new house!! How exciting... it's going to be awesome to have more space - and a yard!!
I'm sure your babies are going to do great, and love their new yard! You'll love watching them running around and playing- and just think of all of the great *outside* toys you can get them!!

[Formula86]

thanks both of you. deja - well, i'm going to get one of those big igloo looking dog houses and put them a water bowl in there. i won't leave the doggy door open if it is too hot or cold though. i'm going to get one with a lockable door.
as far as coyotes, foxes or hawks - i live in north TEXAS. we don't really have that stuff here too much. but i will keep it in mind because anything is possible! the neighbors let their little dog out too so i'm sure that will be fun (barking). ALSO - my friend that is moving in this winter has a chihuahua mix that barks at everything too. hahahaha!
i know that they will get used to the doggy door. they aren't too shy or scared. my big question was: how do i teach them to take themselves outside to go to the bathroom (alone)? for instance: if they are home alone and have to go potty, how can i teach them to think, "i'd better take myself out now!"
thanks again guys!

[Deja]

Quote: Originally Posted by formula86 ... my big question was: how do i teach them to take themselves outside to go to the bathroom (alone)? for instance: if they are home alone and have to go potty, how can i teach them to think, "i'd better take myself out now!" thanks again guys!

Well, you can't teach them to think ... but you can train them to use the doggie-door at their will. Once they are used to using it, they will use it weather you are there or not. You'll be transferring the control to them and reinforcing it with praise. As I said, just getting outside, or coming back in will be the ultimate reward. I think they'll get the hang of it quickly! It sounds like you have your plan in place and it's obvious that you want the best for them You'll do just fine - and they will love their new freedom!