According to the American Kennel Club, approximately 78.2 million dogs are living in U.S. homes, and most of those dogs are considered part of the family.
While many dogs are well-behaved and wouldn’t dream of misbehaving, there are a few things that all dog owners should be aware of to keep their furry friends out of trouble.
One such issue is keeping dogs from opening doors.
While it may seem like a minor issue, allowing a dog to roam freely throughout the house can result in several problems.
It can be dangerous if your dog opens up a door and wanders into the street. It can also be disruptive if your dog opens up doors and lets other animals – or worse, strangers – into your home.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to help keep your dog from opening doors automatically.
In this article, I will discuss the ways to stop your dog from opening doors.
Train your dog to not open doors
There are many ways to keep your dog safe and out of trouble, but one of the most important is training your dog not to open doors.
This can be a difficult task, but with patience and perseverance, this can be done.
One way to start is by teaching your dog the “leave it” command. When you tell your dog to leave something alone, he will listen and walk away from the object.
Once your dog has mastered this command, you can start working on door-opening prevention.
One way to do this is by putting a stop to the behavior before it starts. If you see your dog heading for the door, say “no” in a firm voice and put him back in his place.
Teach your dog to sit and stay before opening the door
Teaching your dog to sit and stay before opening the door is a great way to ensure that they don’t run out. This is a basic obedience command that all dogs should know and can be taught in just a few minutes.
Start by telling your dog to “sit” and then hold a treat in front of him until he sits. Once your dog is sitting, say “stay” and give him the treat.
Repeat this a few times until your dog understands what you want him to do.
Then, start practicing at the door. Have your dog sit and stay while you open the door, walk out, and close the door. Reward your dog with a treat every time he does well.
Use a baby gate
A baby gate is a great way to stop a dog from opening doors. It is also an excellent way to keep the dog out of certain house areas.
Baby gates can be purchased at most stores that sell baby items. They are also very affordable.
Close Doors with a Bell
There is a simple solution to stop dogs from opening doors, and that is to install a doorbell. Anyone can easily install a doorbell, which will stop dogs from opening the door.
Dogs will learn quickly that they are not allowed to go outside when they hear the bell ringing. This easy solution is inexpensive and can be done in minutes.
Install a Door Stopper to Keep Dogs Out of the Room
A door Stopper is a small piece of plastic or metal that you can wedge between the door and the frame, preventing the dog from opening it.
There are a few different door stoppers available, so you can choose
the one that best suits your needs. You can find them at most home improvement
stores or online.
Winding Up
There are several things that you can do to stop your dog from opening doors. Try using a doorstop or wedge, or install a door handle latch. If you have a particularly determined dog, you may also need a chain or cable to keep the door closed.
Whatever method you use, ensure your dog is always supervised when near the door.
