dog not going through doggie door

we have recently installed a doggie door, and my 5 yr old foxy terrier refuses to go in anbd out of it. we have to hold it open for him, because he is too scared to push it himslef. what could you recommend we do to get him to go through it on his own? madeleine
Posted: 12/10/2007

ANSWER: dog not going through doggie door
Doggie doors often make noise and some even have a spring mechanism that is foreign to a dog and may catch it on the back. It requires training the dog to use it. The first few days, just leave it open - use some tape or rope and gradually lower it over several days. Play a recall game with someone on either side with some treats, extending the distance between the people and increasingly lowering the door as your dog gets more comfortable. Make it lots of fun, don't forget to reward until Foxy uses the door by himself.
Posted: 12/10/2007