wanting outside inside outside inside.

[mssandslinger]

they get a lot of exercise! See part of me wants to let them have a dog door and just do whatever, but the other part of me doesn't want them to think they have control, Control is a biiiiiig issue with my lab. she is always testing me, i make them sit before i open the door to come in, and she will sit there and stare at me for ten min. plus, then finally will slowly sit, She is very very smart witch is why she is a brat lol

[PaddyD]

Had 3 different dogs/breeds, they ALL do it. One definition of a dog is: four paws and a tail on the wrong side of a door. I just ignore mine and she gives up and lays down by the door then gets lonesome and finds me and stays by me. I can tell if she 'has' to go out as opposed to wanting to go out, fortunately. Used the pet door for our last dog but she destroyed the yard. This dog never had that freedom and therefore doesn't miss it. However, to compensate she gets a lot of walks and exercise. If only it would work for MY weight !!

[mssandslinger]

Yeah im going to just ignore the bad behavior. they are 5 months and 1.5 years. i need to re- assume my role as leader! its just going to take time :/

[cshepherd9]

I usually just leave my back door open now and let them go in and out as they want (only when I am home). If the weather is not good then the door gets shuts, but I am fortunate that mine aren't pushy about wanting to go out when the door is shut. My oldest dog is content to just lay on the rug by the door. Willow will go over and give a bark or yip but I just ignore her and she will walk away and find something else to do.
If you don't want to do a doggie door and leaving your door open is an option, at Lowes I found a mesh screen that hangs from a tension rod and fits in the door frame. It is weighted at the bottom but the dogs can go through it but it keeps most of the bugs/flies out. Best $25 I spent all summer.

[KZoppa]

i say if you your lab is always testing limits, avoid the dog door. It also sounds like you need to do some GOOD behavior training because you've only been encouraging by letting them out whenever they want. my 2 cents is dont let them out except to go potty and only for playtime when you're willing to go out with them. They need to remember who is boss and that they dont determine when they go out for playtime.