| The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to all | | | | he will understand the order and will close any door |
| dog breeds. The only consideration maybe would be | | | | that is shown to him. |
| asking small size dogs to close large or heavy doors | | | | Finally, teach him to close the door without having any |
| which are beyond their physical capabilities. | | | | reward in sight, but after he shuts it in response to |
| In teaching this trick select a door that swings easily on | | | | your command reward him with a treat. In the first |
| its hinges; drive a nail, or simply stick with double sided | | | | lessons you need not be particular about having the |
| a makeshift hook on your door at such a distance | | | | door closed tight, but in later stages, insist upon its being |
| above the floor that the dog can just reach it by | | | | done before any reward is given. |
| standing on his hind legs with his forefeet resting | | | | Dogs can be taught easily to open swinging doors, but |
| against the door. | | | | opening fastened doors is a much more difficult act, |
| Open the door a few inches, place a small piece of | | | | and is possible only with those that have the easiest |
| treat on the hook and call your dog's attention to it, | | | | and simplest latches. |
| saying "Shut the door." In reaching for the treat the dog | | | | To teach a dog to open a swinging door call his |
| will place his forefeet on the door and this will close it. If | | | | attention to it and push it open at the bottom. Do this a |
| preferable the treat can be balanced on the door | | | | number of times every day for several days, then go |
| handle, and shutting the door will jar it to the floor, when | | | | through the door, closing it after you, and leave your |
| he should be allowed to eat it and be petted and | | | | dog on the other side; call him and he will soon learn to |
| praised. | | | | push the door open in order to reach you. |
| After be has done this a few times you can advance | | | | To teach a dog to open a latch, hold the dog up to it |
| him in his lessons by placing the treat in position while | | | | and push it back with his paw, and say "open door" to |
| he is in another room, then call him in and say "Shut the | | | | associate this trick with this command and continue to |
| door," directing him toward it, and if he does not go, | | | | give him practice in this way until he will push it back |
| show him the treat and encourage him to get it. In time | | | | without your assistance. |