When I search for this, all of the comments are about when people arrive at the front door, but my problem is when the dog is simply out in the backyard and wants to come inside. He scratches occasionally, but he also barks. I suppose I could wait at the door and let him bark, only opening when he scratches, but I’m sure the neighbors will be annoyed, albeit only for a short time. I’m wondering if there are any better recommendations for dealing with this.
Place a bell on the door. Teach the dog that barking does not open the door; instead, the bell does. Touch their paw to the bell, then give them a reward and open the door.
Amazon sells lengthy bells that hang on doorknobs.
This! If you’re concerned about scratching, you can train the dog to punch a button, bell, or doorbell with their nose.
I let my dogs outside for long periods while I clean my floors. It’s easier than shutting them in a room. They can sniff around, play, or snooze. However, they do tend to bark at the back door when they feel playtime is over.
My back door has windows, so they can see me when I approach. I’ve taught them to sit before I open the door and use the “free” command to let them inside. This has reduced the barking somewhat. Like you, I don’t want to annoy my neighbors with non-stop barking, but a few barks throughout the day shouldn’t be an issue.
On weekends, I sometimes let them bark a little longer. They’re learning that barking doesn’t mean the door opens immediately.
I would avoid encouraging your dog to scratch anything to get what they want.
I’ve already had him sitting and waiting at the door, and he rings the bell to exit. I didn’t want to put another set of bells outside since I assumed they would rust, but I had a thought today… I installed a hook outside where I can hang the bells only while he is outside, thus the bells now follow him wherever he goes. I will see if this helps.
Is it cool or hot where you are? It presumably wants to come in for a specific reason, and you should pay attention to its demands.
I assumed I was on a dog training sub. I was wondering how to train this over that. Of course, I listen to his needs; I simply want him to communicate in one way. I.e., train him to do so. Am I misreading this sub? Should I ask elsewhere? 75% of people misread my inquiry and thought I was abusing my dog.
I’m with you; our dog all but beats down our back slider, and it got worse when they discovered out how to open it, if unlocked.
You can do:
-
Get a dog door.
-
Stop keeping your dog outside so long that it barks to return inside.
Stop leaving your dog out alone. Take it for a stroll and play some; your dog is bored and wants to spend time with you.
A dog will let you know when they need to go out and want to come in; I let my dog out and go relax or do whatever, and when she wants in, she’ll stick her head through the screen door and bark to attract my attention.
Try a dog door button. We use the “Mighty Paw” model since the button is huge, easy to depress, and easily mountable. It took our dog a few days to get it, and perhaps a week to be consistent. Renting an AirBnB is amusing since he simply boops the door in the same location as at home, without scratching the glass or barking.