When we moved into this house on June 3rd, the dogs had a doggie door. It took Schatzi about 3 or 4 times to figure out that she suddenly had freedom and she was one happy puppy. Molly has been a different story. Stubborn would be an understatement here. We've sat on both sides with treats and if she wanted them bad enough she would go through, but never, ever, on her own as a way to get outside or inside. She would rather bark at the door for someone to let her out or in (at least she doesn't have accidents, just wakes us up at 3 am).
Yesterday, I was outside cleaning up the backyard and both dogs were out with me. Molly finally decided she had gotten warm enough and goes up on the porch and barks at the door. Randy wasn't home, but she was still looking at the door and barking like she thought someone would come and open it (brains wasn't at the top of the list for this dog). In the meantime, Schatzi has gone up the ramp and through the door, barking excitedly, then back through the doggie door, still barking. It was more of a play, high pitch bark. I'm half listening to this and chuckling to myself as I was thinking that Schatzi was telling Molly that it was really easy to just walk through and go inside. A few minutes later, I realize it is quiet. Then I realize I don't see Molly on the porch. I look around the yard and she isn't there, either. She had finally decided the door wasn't so dangerous after all. I just wish I had seen Schatzi's reaction when Molly came through it!!
I called Randy and told him and he said he wondered if she may have done it last week. He saw her laying on the kitchen floor, but didn't think he had let her in yet, but finally decided he must have since she was laying there (you can tell we had very little faith in her ever using the door). Tonight, for the first time, she actually walked through the door without barking first. After almost two months, she just may realize what it is there for. If we can get her to go in AND out, it will be wonderful!! I think Schatzi deserves an apple!!
Aww. maybe we should call her Professor Schatzi from now on! How kind of her to not give up and tutor Molly on "Doggy Door 101"! That is really cute!
It was the sound of her bark that I keep thinking about and laughing. It was like "You are going to learn this. In and Out. In and Out. You can do it." Schatzi was probably wondering how Molly could possibly think it was hard! We'll see what she does tomorrow. Tonight when I was standing in the kitchen and she came in, I was able to give her a treat and praise her. Hopefully that will help reinforce the behavior.
YAAAAY SCHATZI......you showed Molly that it wasn't a big deal. Good girl!!! :hello2:
Score points BIG TIME for Proessor Schatz!!! Living in the same house with Guinness :runaway: AND DR. LEAK-A-LOT, :iamwithstupid: I can definitely relate!
Treats are in order!!
Merlin The Magician :bolt:
that is just too funny !!! I can just hear Schatzi trying to explain how easy it is !!!! Now all you will hear is the flap of the door as they both go in and out. Doggie Doors Rule !!!
That flap is annoying sometimes. Especially with a doxie who likes to go in and out constantly. There are times when she will go in and out 5 times with a 30 minute time period. It reminds me of when Meghan was little and I would tell her to make up her mind where she wanted to play. At least Schatzi doesn't leave the door wide open!
Huh? Lucky you! I have to scold mine upon occasion for sitting in the house with the head out through the flap! :2funny:
Schatzi will look out occasionally to see if anything interesting is going on. She is more likely to look in to see if she wants to come in. If she hears someone in the kitchen, you can bet money you will see her head poke through the door to see if food is involved!
Aww! That is really great that Schatzi taught Molly how to use the door! What a good girl! Schatzi the professor does have a nice ring to it.
Last night it was official. Molly is now a real Doggie Door Dog! She loves to wake us up in the middle of the night to go out. Last night Randy said he heard her come in the door. That only means one thing-she used it to go out, too. That is a first!! Finally, we can sleep through the night again! I think Schatzi may just get a new harness this week for that. She needs one and I haven't gotten around to ordering it, but today seems like a good day. Maybe I should find one with little red apples on it??