Dog won't go through dog-flap!

Glowing

Hi,

That other thread about the catflaps reminded me that someone here could be of assistance.

We have two greyhounds - and we have a dogflap. The male dog is happy enough to wander in and out as he pleases, but the female has a nervous disposition and won't go through the flap unless its propped open. It like she doesn't like to push it open herself with her nose - or doesn't like so squeeze through (she doesn't like to squeeze through slightly open doors either). As a result we have to prop it open all through the night, which leaves a terrible draught through their sleeping area.

Now, we've tried everything to get her through herself, coaxing with fresh chicken - praising her etc. but nothing has worked.

Anyone have any ideas?

luckat

Maybe clicker-train her to go through hoops first, then through hoops with a flap of loose paper along the top, then with the flap of paper reaching about a third of the way down, and so on, creeping up the size of the paper until it's still loose (only attached loosely at the top of the hoop) but covering the whole hoop. Then do the same thing with the door - actually take the door off, then prop it open, then prop it open but lower, and so on.

All this, of course, with lots of fun and treats and petting and romping and praise. And *major* treats, praise, etc when she actually goes through the closed door for the first time.

I wonder - if she's an ex-professional - if she might have got her nose caught in the gate at the track at some stage, and been frightened of things that swing and snap?

Schlemm

I've heard of stories where there can be a bit of competition between 2 or more pets using the one pet door. Sometimes the dominant animal will try and keep it all to themselves and may stop the more subordinate animal for using it. Has the male dog ever snapped or growled at the female when she goes to use it, or does he ever block her from going out?

Glowing

Never! He's the most laid back 'dominant' dog you'll ever see! They both share a bed at night, eat out of the same dish and he shows no aggression towards her at all.

- its an interesting idea though ....