Sticky notes make a great target because the adhesive makes it easyto transition from targeting your hand to, eventually, the door. However, if you’d prefer to use a different target, that’s fine, as long as you use the same object consistently.
At this point, it’s helpful to practice your training sessions near the door you want the dog to close.
Repeat it the clicker training with the target for several days.Once you introduce the target, do not reward thedog if it nudges your hand instead of the target. Continue having multiple training sessions a day, with about 10repetitions each time, for 3-5 days. If the dog seems confused about what you expect of it, however, you may need to return to hand targeting for a few days.[6]*.Over the course of your training, gradually move the target so you’re holding with the tips of your fingers, rather than in the palm of your hand
Once the dog consistently nudges the target, you can try moving the target to the door.
Move closer to the door gradually, and add a verbal cue.As your training sessions progress, start moving the target closer to the door, and give the dog the verbal command you eventually want to use to tell it to close the door. For instance, you might say “Door,” “Close,” or “Push.” Just be sure to be consistent with whatever word you use.
You may also want to toss the treat a little away from the door so the dog has to deliberately return to the target each time.
Place the target on the door at nose-height and click if the dog touches it.When you’re ready to transition to targeting the door, close the door and attach the target near the edge of the door. Give your verbal cue and tap the target to get your dog to notice it, then praise the dog enthusiastically the first time it touches the target with its nose.
Even though the door is shut at first, it’s better to pick one spot on the door for the target and use it consistently. By placing the target atthe edge of the door, it will be easier for the dog to close it.
Continue with the same pattern of training—10 repetitions several times a day for three to five days until the dog is consistently touching the target on the door.If at any point the dog doesn't seem to understand what's going on, go back to the previous training for a few days.
Open the door a little and offer several treats the first time the door moves.Once the dog is very comfortable touching the target on the door, open the door slightly and give it your verbal cue. You may need to tap the target to get the dog to understand that you still want it to perform the same action. However, don’t click or give the dog a treat unless the door moves. When it does, even if it’s only a little, click and praise the dog enthusiastically, then offer several treats to show the dog that’s the result you wanted.Consider putting a towel between the door and the frame so it doesn’t slam shut, which might startle the dog.Did You Know?
Teaching a dog to useits nose to close a door can help prevent the dog from accidentally scratching the door or breaking a pane of glass, which can occur if the dog uses its paw.
Continue opening the door a little wider as the dog gets comfortable.If the first training session goes well, open the door 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) wider during the next session. Gradually increase how much you open the door at each training session, and continue to only reward the dog when the door moves.
As you do this, gradually move farther from the door, but continue to give the verbal command consistently.
Transition to only rewarding the dog when the door shuts.When the dog reliably pushes the door on command,hold back your praise until the door shuts all the way. If the door makes a clicking sound or another noise when it closes, use that as your cue to click and offer a treat. That way, the dog will come to associate the sound of the door closing with the reward.
This step can take a little patience, but continue consistently working with the dog several times a day until it seems comfortable.Leave the target on the door until you’re sure the dog knows that it is supposed to close the door.
Remove the target when the dog masters closing the door.To avoid confusing the dog, wait until it seems very comfortable with the verbal command before you try removing thetarget. However, if the dog still seems unsure of what to do when you remove the target, try gradually making it smaller instead of moving itall at once
For instance, if you used a sticky note, you could cut it in half before atraining session. Try a few sessions with the note that size, then cut it in half again. Keep doing this until the target is so small that you can just remove it.
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