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I think I would treat this one like I would my kids. Basically teach the behavior you want "leave it" then do the hover in the shadow thing waiting for her to think no one is around and catch her right as she tries to chew. So after you have reinforced the door is not to be chewed using positive training, you put her in the kennel, go out of sight so she thinks you have left and try to catch her showing interest in it a few times. I agree the ideal situation is to limit access to the area when your not around to reinforce the training however that is not possible in this case. I also think the chewing is a boredom thing so I would make sure she had plenty of exercise before going into the area and has opportunity to chew appropriately (bully sticks, antlers, frozen kong filled with a meal, especially new items) when going in. So basically lots of management and reinforcing the leave it until she gets over the fact that there is something new. Now regarding the bitter spray. I know that is technically considered a negative consequence but for things like this I don't see an issue with it. My biggest thing is to not create negative associations when possible. I never want to create a new problem while trying to fix a current one, which is the reason I do try to keep to the positive training methods. Because she chews and putting yucky tasting liquid will only cause a negative association to her chewing I would be fine with that. It is not going to make her fearful of the door, just not want to taste it again. I don't know what a 100% positive trainer would say about it but I don't think it is an unreasonable tool in this case.
That's the damn truth. That's the reason why Hank has to be tethered or tied out unless I'm am literally eyeballs on him while outside. He will jump the fence as soon as he thinks I'm not watching so he can see if the bitch in heat across the street is out to play. LOL. Dogs are some of the most determined souls I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.
