How to train your dog to use a dog door — 5 expert tips
By Pet-Tek International · 8 June 2026 · 6 min read
Just installed a new Dogwalk® dog door or dog flap and your dog won't go near it? This is completely normal. Dogs are naturally cautious about new things — especially a mysterious flap in the wall. With the right approach and a little patience, most dogs learn to use their dog door confidently within a few days. Here are 5 proven tips from the Pet-Tek team.
Watch: Pet-Tek's step-by-step guide to training your dog to use their new Dogwalk® dog door.
Before you start — set your dog up for success
Dog door training works best when your dog is calm, not hungry and in a positive mood. Do short sessions of 5–10 minutes rather than one long attempt. End every session on a win — even a small one — so your dog associates the door with a good experience. Never force your dog through the flap. Forcing causes fear and sets training back significantly.
Important: Before starting training, make sure the dog door or dog flap is the right size for your dog. If the flap is too heavy or the opening too small, your dog will struggle regardless of how well you train them. Not sure whether you need a cat door or a dog door? Read our guide first — then use the 5-step door finder to confirm the correct Dogwalk® model for your dog's size and glass type.
5 tips to train your dog to use their dog door
1
Let your dog get familiar with the door before installing it
Before the Dogwalk® dog door or dog flap goes into the glass or wall, let your dog sniff and inspect it while it is still in the packaging or sitting on the floor. Dogs learn through smell first — letting them explore the door as an object removes the element of surprise when it appears in their environment. Place it near their food bowl or favourite resting spot for a day or two. By the time it is installed, the door already feels familiar and unthreatening.
2
Start with the flap removed or propped fully open
The flap is almost always what intimidates a dog — not the hole itself. Remove the flap completely or use the 4-way locking dial to hold it open so your dog can see straight through. Stand on the outside, use a happy voice and hold a high-value treat visible through the opening. Most dogs will walk straight through once there is no flap to push. Once your dog goes through freely in both directions without hesitation, you are ready to introduce the flap. If your door is a glass fitting dog flap, the locking dial makes it easy to hold the flap open during this stage.
3
Introduce the flap gradually — never all at once
Once your dog goes through the open hole with confidence, start lowering the flap gradually. Hold it at half height first, then two-thirds, then fully closed. Let your dog push through at each stage before moving further. You can also tape the flap back slightly using masking tape — reducing how far it needs to be pushed. Some owners start with a cloth or light towel in place of the flap to remove the noise of the brush seal and magnets. The goal is to build confidence in small stages — never rush this step.
4
Use high-value treats and enthusiastic praise every time
Positive reinforcement is the only method that works reliably for dog door and dog flap training. Use the highest value treat your dog responds to — cooked chicken, cheese, or a favourite commercial treat. The treat should only appear in the context of the dog door during training. Every single time your dog goes through — even partially — reward immediately. Verbal praise matters too: use a consistent, excited tone so your dog knows they have done exactly the right thing.
5
Practise both directions and build to independent use
Many owners forget to train both directions — in and out. Your dog needs to be equally comfortable entering and exiting through the flap. Once they go through confidently with you guiding them, start stepping back and encouraging them from further away. Then try sending them through without standing at the door at all. Use their natural need to go outside — toilet breaks, feeding time, playtime — as real training opportunities. Within a few days of consistent practice, most dogs will begin using the door independently.
Pro tip from the Pet-Tek team: Have a second person help during training — one person on each side of the door. One person calls the dog through, the other rewards when they arrive. This two-person method is the fastest way to build confidence in both directions at the same time.
My dog won't go through — common problems and fixes
Even with the best approach, some dogs take longer than others. Here are the most common reasons a dog refuses their dog door or dog flap, and what to do about each one:
Problem
Likely cause
What to do
Dog sniffs the door but won't go through
Flap feels unfamiliar
Remove the flap entirely. Start with open hole. Re-introduce in stages.
Dog goes through once then refuses
Flap noise or brush seal surprised them
Prop flap open again. Increase treat value. Shorter, more frequent sessions.
Dog goes out but won't come back in
Only trained one direction
Have someone outside calling them back through. Train both directions every session.
Small or older dog struggles with flap weight
Wrong model for dog's size
Check you have the correct Dogwalk® model. Contact Pet-Tek team if unsure.
Dog was trained but has stopped using it
Negative experience or fright
Start training from step one again. Identify and remove the source of fear first.
Puppy ignores the door entirely
Too young — under 8 weeks
Wait until 8–10 weeks. Very young puppies need basic commands first.
How long does it take to train a dog to use a dog door?
Most dogs learn to use a dog door or dog flap confidently within 3 to 7 days of consistent training sessions. Puppies and confident dogs often get it within the first session. Older dogs or nervous dogs may take 2–3 weeks. Daily short sessions beat occasional long attempts every time.
A dog that uses their Dogwalk® door independently is a dog that has been given freedom on their own terms. No more waiting at the back door, no more midnight wake-ups, no more accidents indoors.
Is your dog door the right size? Check before you train
Training will not fix a door that is the wrong size. If the flap is too heavy, too small or at the wrong height, your dog will always struggle. Before spending time on training, confirm the basics — or use the 5-step door finder to get the right Dogwalk® model confirmed for your dog's size and your home's glass or door type.
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The flap height is at least 25mm taller than your dog's shoulder height (withers)
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The flap width is wider than your dog's chest at its widest point
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The bottom of the flap sits no higher than your dog's chest height from the floor
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The Dogwalk® model matches your dog's weight category — dogs over 30kg should confirm with the Pet-Tek team directly
Need help choosing the right dog door or dog flap size?
Use the Pet-Tek 5-step door finder — enter your dog's weight, measurements and installation type and get the right Dogwalk® model confirmed instantly.
Start by removing the flap so your dog can see straight through the opening. Use treats and a happy voice to encourage them through. Once confident with the open hole, gradually lower the flap in stages — rewarding every successful pass. Most dogs learn within 3 to 7 days of consistent daily training sessions.
Most dogs learn to use a dog door or dog flap confidently within 3 to 7 days. Puppies and confident dogs often get it in the first session. Nervous or older dogs may take 2 to 3 weeks. Short daily sessions work better than occasional long attempts.
The most common reason is the flap — dogs are cautious about pushing through an obstacle they cannot see past. Start with the flap removed entirely and build up in stages. Other causes include the door being the wrong size, a previous negative experience, or training sessions that are too long or pressured.
Yes — older dogs can learn to use a dog door or dog flap. They may take a little longer than puppies, but the same positive reinforcement approach works just as well. Patience and consistency are the key factors. Avoid any force, which causes setbacks regardless of age.
Yes — high-value treats are the most effective tool for dog door and dog flap training. Use something your dog finds irresistible such as cooked chicken, cheese or a favourite treat. Reward immediately every time your dog pushes through the flap. Reduce treats gradually as the behaviour becomes habit.
The Dogwalk range from Pet-Tek International is designed for medium to large dogs in New Zealand, Australian and UK homes. Available in glass fitting, wood fitting and wall installation versions — all with a 4-way locking dial, full brush seal and heavy-duty polycarbonate flap. Use the 5-step door finder to confirm the right model for your dog's size.
Yes — puppies often learn faster than adult dogs. Wait until at least 8 to 10 weeks of age. Puppies are naturally curious and typically take to a dog door quickly when positive reinforcement is used consistently from the start.
A well-made dog door with a full brush seal and 4-way locking dial keeps draughts to a minimum. Pet-Tek Dogwalk doors have a brush seal on all four sides and a heavy-duty polycarbonate flap with magnetic closure. When locked, no air passes through at all.
