Using the door

Using the pet door comes naturally to most pets, and teaching them to go through it is usually a quick and relatively easy process. Some learn it in two seconds, and others need a little longer.

If your pet is inside, try to go outside and call them. The door might be a bit intimidating at first, so be sure to use lots of praise, encouragement, and treats to encourage your cat or dog. Once they've gone through successfully from one direction, try again from the opposite side.

Don't try to push the pet through the door; this will reinforce the idea of the door being dangerous and scary. Coax the cat or dog with a treat instead. Be patient; even if your pet doesn't go through in the first try, they'll get it eventually.

"We have two Belgian Tervurens, one Doberman and one Sheltie that have kennel runs. We’d gone through 3 other doors in just one kennel because the Tervuren chewed the flaps off, then we’d have flies and hot air pouring into our outdoor kennel area. We tried everything...then we got...4 large Plexidors. We weren’t sure they’d be ‘Terv-proof,’ and the price was high, but we’d already spent that much for 3 other doors in one run and still didn’t have one they hadn’t chewed up. I am VERY HAPPY to report that they haven’t even touched the Plexidors except to run in and out! I normally don’t write businesses but I had to let you know how pleased we are."
---Buddy Hayes and Terry Upton, Virginia