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A dog door is a fantastic invention that gives your dog independence. You can add one in your back door so that your dog can take himself out to the loo – WITHOUT you needing to open the main door. They are easy to install and dogs get used to them very quickly.
Benefits of Dog Doors
There are many benefits of dog doors – they give you and your dog independence, they are easy to use and easy to fit! They are particularly useful for people with active dogs such as the Jack Russell.
Gives your Dog Independence
Dog doors are a great way for dogs to get a bit more independence and take themselves out to the loo when they need it. It means that dogs can go in and out on their own without needing to ask their human. A dog flap is beneficial to dog owners because it allows them to work from home without being disturbed. It is also beneficial for dog owners because they can leave their dog inside with the dog door closed while they go out (provided it is safe to do so). The dog will be able to get in and out as much as he needs to without needing human assistance every time.
You don’t need to leave main doors open for your Dog
This is great if it gets hot or cold outside so that dogs can stay comfortable in their homes instead of having to deal with extreme temperatures. It also limits drafts in your house because a doggy door will automatically close – much better than leaving the back door open which will cause a big draft.
Easy for Dogs to use
Dog doors are easy for your dog to use – you won’t need to worry about teaching your dog to use it – he/she will pick it up very quickly. If your dog finds it a challenge the first time he or she uses it then you can coax your dog through with treats.
Easy to Fit
Dog doors are easy to install because there are kits available for purchase that come with everything needed to get the job done – these kits include things like a dog door, fitting parts and installation instructions. Dog owners have the option of professionally installing their dog’s door or doing it themselves with a kit if they wish, but many people think that hiring experts is best when dealing with critical things such as security since professionals will be able to pick which type of access point is best depending on where the window used is located in relation to other obstacles inside and outside.
Best Dog Doors to Buy on Amazon
You can buy a decent dog flap on Amazon for anywhere between £12-200 depending on the quality and size. They are excellent value.
Petsafe Staywell 2 way dog door
The Petsafe 2 way dog door comes in three sizes – small, medium and large. A small is perfect for pugs and Jack Russells. It’s easy to fit and the adaptable locking system gives complete control to the dog owner. It is universal fitting and can easily be installed in wood, metal and brick.
- EASY INSTALLATION - this cat door is suitable for wooden, PVC, metal doors and walls/NOT COMPATIBLE WITH GLASS. A 5 cm tunnel extension is available separately
- LOCKING SYSTEM - to close your cat door, simply place the closure panel
- DIMENSIONS (M) - (l x h) exterior 29.4 x 35.2 cm; flap 22.1 x 23.7 cm. Suitable for dogs up to 18 kg
Namsan Pet Screen Door Magnetic Lockable Dog Flap
This Namsan Pet screen has a magnetic lockable flap which lets your pets in and out freely. The dog door is made of durable, safe and non-toxic material. This door comes in one size – Flap: 31 cm (W) x 36 cm (H) – so make sure that this size is suitable for your dog.
- Size: Flap: 31 cm (W) * 36 cm (H) , Suitable for dogs, cats and other pets.
- Features: The dog door is made of durable,safe and non-toxic material;set a Sliding lock on the door switch, a magnetic of the pet door let pets in/out freely.
- Scope: Only install this pet door into interior/exterior screen door, window and any other screen areas, can not be used for very thick wooden doors, iron/aluminum doors, walls. Installation manual attached, easy to install.
PetSafe Extreme Weather Energy Efficient Pet Door
Another excellent option from Petsafe – this dog door is suitable for large dogs up to 40lb and is suitable for extreme weather. Its unique three flap system provides 3.5 times more energy efficiency than single flap doors to help keep out weather and drafts.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT: Unique three-flap system is rated 3.5 times more energy efficient than single flap doors
- CENTER INSULATED FLAP: Perfect for hot and cold climates; keeps the warm and cool air inside your home. Fits doors 1.625 - 2.25 inches thick
- CONTROLLED ACCESS: Snap-on closing panel allows you to keep your pet from using the pet door; use a second closing panel (sold separately) on the outside for an additional layer of weather protection
The Drawbacks and Things to Consider
Dog escape Artists
Of course it’s not always ideal to have a dog door. You need to consider safety of your dog. For example, if you have a dog that digs, he could dig under the fence and become an escape artist! It’s therefore not ideal for every dog to be out in the garden without being monitored. Some dogs are persistent barkers and may annoy the neighbours if outside unmonitored.
Dog Theft Risk
With dog thefts on the rise, you. may decide that you don’t want to leave the dog flap open while you are out. Thieves could easily jump into your garden and steal your dog. This has become an increasing problem throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Home Security
Leaving the dog flap open while you are out of the house can be seen as a security risk. Burglars view dog flaps and doggy doors as extra ways into your home and so it is important to consider security when choosing a dog door and deciding when to use it.
Choosing the Best Door for your Dog
Most dog doors are plastic and come in several sizes. The most important thing to consider when purchasing your dog door
Measure your dog for size
A dog owner should fit his dog with a door that is his size – this is probably one of the most important things to get right. It’s no good having a door that your dog can’t fit through! People who buy dog doors made for house dogs should make sure their dog’s shoulder line comes up to the dog door’s top; it is best to get one with the dog owner in mind since he will be able to fit through it without needing modification. People who have small dogs should get smaller dog doors, but people who have larger dogs can also find dog doors on Amazon or pet supply stores if they are not interested in buying an actual dog door kit.
Plan where it will go
Dog owners should measure where they plan on putting the door before purchasing any of the parts needed for installation; once you know how much room you need between walls and such, you can figure out what size door will work best if there are dog door kits available to purchase.
Dog Door Types
Amazon dog doors are available in two main types: dog doors that require installation and doors that can be attached using a spring loaded latch like a cat flap. To use a spring loaded dog door from Amazon, dog owners only need to attach it into place with adhesive tape and then cut out a hole in their chosen place for the dog flap; since this type of dog door is not mounted onto anything, dog owners can move it anywhere they wish inside or outside their homes as long as there are no other obstacles around the area where they want to put the dog flap. Once an Amazon dog flap is set up, you just open and close it from your garage and your pet will be able to get in and out as they please.
Installing your Dog Door
Dog doors that are installed need dog door installation kits, which usually include dog dog door frame, dog dog door flap, dog dog door trim pieces, mounting screws or bolts, a drill bit of the right size for pilot holes (especially important considering most DIY dog doors come with only self-tapping screws) and some sort of sealant. Dog owners should make sure to read through all directions before installing their dog’s door because different types of Amazon dog flaps require different installation methods.
Most people install an inside mounted pet flap near the floor on the interior side of any solid wall so that dogs can go inward into their homes. Most dog flaps are installed with special dog door installation kits. You can seal dog doors using flexible silicone caulk if the wall where you want to put your dog flap is painted. If the wall where you want to install a dog door is brick or stone and requires stucco repair instead of painting repairs before installing your dog’s pet opening, then use mortar instead of silicone.
Dog owners who do not know how to use these tools should try to find someone who does this kind of work regularly if they are unsure about doing it themselves. Even though most self-tapping screws are easy enough for anyone to use, there are less straightforward installations that require more time and skill in other dog flap installation kits.
What about you – do you use a doggy door for your pooch? Where did you fit it? Does your dog like to use it? We’d love to hear your comments below!
