dog & doggie door

Question
we've had our rescue pomeranian for 2 1/2 years now and the vet thought he
was 2 yrs when we got him. He's had 6 weeks of training and minds well. we
have a doggie door when he started using the day after I installed it. Now the
last 2 weeks he refuses to use it. He does not go in the house but holds it. We
have washed the plastic door to no avail .  we also have placed his favorite
snacks outside to get him to go but no results. We're at a loss.

Answer
Hello Wayne,

Something must have happened involving or near the doggie door that scared your Pom. It has obviously left a bad, lasting impression.

You will need to retrain him that the door is good. Start by sitting with him as close to the door as possible. Do not try and comfort him but merely sit closely and calmly with him by the door. Reach out and push the door through it's range of motion. If he shows fear, verbally correct him. Do this for about five minutes.

After several days of this, start walking him on his leash by the door.
Again, remain calm, do not comfort him and leash correct him if he shows fear. When you detect little or no apprehension from him being near the door, then lead him through it on the leash. If he resists, force him. When he is through the door, give him praise and his favorite treat.
Repeat this exercise 3 times per day and very shortly he should be bounding through the door on his own.

Good Luck!

Sandy