I recently adopted a smallish dog from the pound that was due to be PTS. He is very cute and I think, a cross terrier/mini poodle.
He is 1/2 yrs old according to the vet, and is a great little dog, and just wants to please.
I would say he was an impulse buy from a pet shop, you know the 'oodle' pups that are in all the shopping centre pet shops
His previous owners did nothing in the way of training, so I have had to start from scratch on everything.
I have a cat already, and she has her own cat door that she uses during the day, and then it is locked at night so she stays inside. She learned how to use this very quickly, but then she can also sit and shake hands - a very clever cat.
Now I am trying to teach my pup to use the door so he can go outside for his toilet, when I am away during the day. He almost seems afraid of it. It has a perspex flap that can be open both ways or locked in either direction.
He is slightly larger that the cat, so the door is a good size, he has no problems getting through). The perspex flap does not flap around as it has a firmness when in position as it sort of sits in place. This is no problem at all for my cat, and its not hard for her to open at all.
I have smeared food onto the perspex flap, but because the flap does not flap freely when in its down position, if you know what I mean, he can lick the food off and it will stay down covering the entrance. (he's a gentle licker).
I have propped the flap open so it is just an opening, but even though I have tempted him with food treats, he will stick his head through (just) but will then back away. Its like he is afraid of it.
I don't know what to do, so if anyone has any suggestions I would be very happy.
Oh.....and the cat and dog are settling in well together, the cat still gets her priviliges (she sleeps on the bed), they sniff each other etc, she hisses at him if he gets out of line, so its not like he is scared of her or the other way round.
