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KELLY's picture
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My husband just installed a doggie door for Raven and she is scared of it and won't go in or out of it.  What can we do to help her get over it and use it.

rgreen4's picture
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While Dobies are very intelligent, they are also very sensitive and have an aversion to change. If you have a toy, you might go outside and open the door and call her to you with the toy. She needs to get used to it and understand that it won't hurt her. I used to board my dogs at a kennel that had the flaps between the inside and outside, and of course once a dog sees other dogs going out theirs, it's not big deal to them any more.

If you have a friend who has a dog that uses a dog door, you may see if you can get Raven accustomed to the other dog and then use that dog as a "bell cow" to lead Raven through the door. One of the things I have an easy time with on my dogs, is that the new young ones learn from the old timers.

my diesel's picture
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You can also use a reward system. Hold the flap up and gently allow it to touch her back.. You can also make it a game and if your able to go in and out it as she watches, Dobies want to be with you and please you.