Dog scratching door to come inside

[dogeatdog]

I have a minor behavior issue I would like to change in one of my dogs. We have two dogs, one of whom naturally (w/o training) barks when she is ready to come in from the yard. The other jumps up and scratches at the door, which has damaged the door. Does anyone have any idea how to change this behavior so that the other dog will bark as well? With some of our training the dogs have been able to "teach" each other...i.e. when one dog properly sits and is rewarded the other takes note. I have tried to use this by letting them in only when the dog barks, but the other one does not seem to understand. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[KOPcaroline]

Hi dogeatdog,

Hmm, I'd say whatever you try this may take some time to properly train.

First, when you put your dogs out, I'd say block their direct access to the door - put a baby gate or pen in front of and surrounding it so they can't actually make physical contact with it.

At the same time, try training both your dogs to respond to "speak" as a command, especially your scratcher

When you go to let your dogs in, have them sit outside the gate, and give your speak command. Let them in when they oblige.

Hopefully, if your barker keeps it up (maybe give "good girl"s when she barks so the other recognizes it as a good behaviour to do in the situation) both will catch on that bark = let in, especially when scratching is no longer an option. Chances are, if your scratcher is blocked from scratching, she'll get frustrated and start to at least whine on her own anyway

I hope that makes sense Please let us know how you go!

[dogeatdog]

Hi Caroline,

Thanks so much for your response. These all sound like good ideas and I will begin trying them today. I will let you know how it turns out (maybe in a few weeks). Thanks again!