Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
Posts: 2784
Loc: Toronto, ON
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How do I teach my dog to open a door by jumping up n putting his paw on the door handle? I've tried holding a treat above the door handle but he doesn't put his paws where he needs to, n when I move his paw he doesn't make the connection between that and the door opening, instead he's too focused on the treat, but thats the only way I can get him motivated to jump against the door at all.
And yes, I do realize that this means i'll need to utilize door locks when going to the bathroom and keep his nails trimmed to keep him from scratching up the doors <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Jason Shipley Webboard User Reg: 05-13-2005
Posts: 220
Loc: northern Illinois
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Mike I have not taught my dog to open door, my husky does it on her own but I doubt she would ever do it on command. I would start a little simpler, forget about the door for now and teach a "paws up" command. Use walls, doors, fences lots of different things to keep him from associating the command with just on thing. Once he's doing that without a lure it should be easy to teach him the rest of the action in small steps. Of course I'm left wondering why you would want him to be able to open doors on his own.
Anne Vaini Webboard User Reg: 07-14-2005
Posts: 775
Loc: Wisconsin
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Teach the command "paws." It's a versatile command for introducing turning off the lights, opening doors by the handle and closing doors as well.
You'd start by teaching your dog to paw at your hand on command for treats. Then hold your hand again a wall or door and shape the behavior until you point at any place or object and your dog will put his paws on it.
If the door opens "in" you may have a hard time with it - you may also have to teach your dog opening the door by scratching (and then nothing in your kitchen will be safe.)
If the scratch method doesn't sound good, then attaching a tug on a string to the door handle. Once the dog unlatches the door with "paws", then he can tug the door open. It's a little safer for your doors and cabinets.
If you can do that, you can also teach your dog to open the fridge, retrieve a drink, close the fridge and bring it to you.
I've had fun with "paws" and the scratch door opening, but haven't had a dog with enough drive to open a door with a tug.
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Opening Doors
#92648 - 12/19/2005 09:30 AM 
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