Having a dog door installed in your home can make life a lot easier for both you and your dog. Instead of having to let your dog in and out multiple times per day, your dog can come and go as they please through the dog door. However, there are some things to consider before deciding if a dog door is right for your home. Here we’ll explore the pros and cons of dog doors to help you determine if installing one is a good idea for your situation.
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Pros of Dog Doors
There are many potential benefits to having a dog door installed in your home:
- Convenience – A dog door allows your dog to potty outside whenever they need to without you having to stop what you’re doing to let them in and out each time. This can save you a lot of time and hassle.
- Independence for your dog – Your dog will love being able to come and go as they please. This can be great for energetic, high-strung dogs who benefit from being able to go outside frequently.
- Less accidents in the house – With easy access to the outdoors, most dogs will opt to do their business outside rather than have an accident inside. This can help keep your house cleaner.
- Security for your dog – If you aren’t home, a dog door allows your dog to get outside if they need to go potty or feel anxious or afraid. They don’t have to have an accident while waiting for you to return.
- Ventilation – A dog door can help air circulate through your home, allowing fresh air in and stale air out. This can be beneficial in spring, summer and fall.
- Energy savings – You won’t have to run the air conditioner or heat as much since fresh air will be circulating through the dog door.
For many dog owners, the time-saving convenience factor of a dog door is the biggest advantage. You don’t have to play doorman all day letting your dog in and out. This allows you more freedom to leave the house without worrying about rushing back to let your dog outside.
Cons of Dog Doors
There are also some potential downsides of dog doors to consider:
- Security concerns – An unsecured dog door could allow more than just your pet to enter your home. Stray animals, wild animals or intruders could potentially use the dog door to gain access to your house when you’re not home.
- Noise – The flap of the dog door slapping shut can be loud and disruptive, especially if you have a hyper dog who goes in and out all day long.
- Letting out cooled/heated air – This can make your heating/cooling system work harder in order to maintain the desired indoor temp.
- Mud and dirt – Dog doors allow not only your dog to enter but also mud, dirt, leaves, etc. Your dog can track in outdoor mess through the dog door.
- Bugs and pests – Bugs like flies and mosquitoes can fly or crawl through an open dog door into your house.
- Other animals entering – Neighborhood cats, stray dogs, raccoons, etc. may try to enter your home through an unsecured dog door.
Security concerns are the top drawback for many dog owners. Some people don’t feel comfortable having an open “hole” in their house that allows animals to come and go. Installing a securable dog door and training your dog how to use it properly can help mitigate some of these risks.
Things to Consider Before Installing a Dog Door
If you’re thinking about adding a dog door to your home, here are some things to take into account:
- Your dog’s training – Is your dog house trained and generally well behaved? A young, untrained puppy or unruly dog is not a good candidate for a dog door.
- Your dog’s size – Measure your dog to ensure you get a dog door big enough for easy entry and exit but not so big that wildlife can fit through.
- Your home’s layout – Consider Placement carefully to avoid cutting through structural elements or compromising insulation.
- Energy efficiency rating – Choose an insulated dog door designed to retain indoor temps.
- Security features – Only allow your dog in using features like a magnetic collar, microchip scanner, etc.
- Flaps or doors – Flaps may allow more outdoor elements in but are easier for dogs to use.
- Materials – Avoid potentially toxic elements and go for chew-proof, durable materials if your dog is a chewer.
Taking the time to train your dog to use the dog door properly is key to avoiding problems. Teach them commands like “go outside” or “go potty” and use treats to positively reinforce going through the door.
Best Dog Door Options
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided a dog door is right for your home, there are lots of great options to choose from. The best dog door for you depends on your specific needs and home architecture.
Door Mounted Dog Doors
Door mounted pet doors are installed into an existing door in your home. This is the most common type:
- Interior mounted – Installed inside your home on an exterior facing door or wall. Provides easy access to a secure yard.
- Exterior mounted – Installed through an exterior door. Better insulation but more complex installation.
- Slide-in – Inserts into vertical track on door side. Easier installation than cutting into door.
Key features like double flap insulation, magnetic or electronic locks, and draft blockers are available for added security and energy efficiency.
Wall Dog Doors
Wall mounted dog doors go right through your home’s exterior wall instead of through a door:
- Metal framed – Most secure option with metal tunnel leading outdoors.
- Plastic – More economical but not as insulating or chew-proof.
- Telescoping – Adjustable length to fit different wall thicknesses.
Wall dog doors take more skill to install but may be preferable if you don’t want to cut into a door. Weatherproof frames keep out drafts and pests.
Patio Panel Pet Doors
Patio panel systems feature a plastic panel insert that fits into a track system on your sliding door. The pane fits right into your existing door frame.
- Allow you to keep your sliding door closed while allowing pet access.
- Available with microchip scanners, locks, insulation, etc.
- More complicated installation than other options.
Electronic and Smart Dog Doors
High-tech electronic and smart dog doors offer maximum convenience and security:
- Unlock with your dog’s microchip or electronic collar tag.
- Operate on timers or by remote control.
- Connect to smartphone apps for control.
- Send alerts when opened.
- Higher cost than simpler dog door options.
Electronic features like these allow you to control and monitor use while ensuring only your pets get in.
Installation Tips
Once you’ve selected the ideal dog door for your home, proper installation is key to functionality and weatherproofing. Here are some best practices to follow:
- Carefully measure both your pet and the intended installation location before buying.
- Review the manufacturer’s installation guide and watch online tutorial videos.
- Make sure you have all necessary tools and materials before starting.
- Cut openings to size following directions and secure edges with provided hardware.
- Seal all around the dog door with provided weather stripping or caulk.
- Test operation of locks, sensors and flaps to ensure proper functioning.
Hiring a professional installer is highly recommended if you aren’t experienced completing home improvement projects. Proper installation is essential for weatherproofing, security and pet safety.
Training Your Dog to Use Their New Door
Once your dog door is properly installed, you’ll need to train your dog how to use it. Here are some effective tips for teaching your pet to use their new doggy door:
- Demonstrate entering and exiting the door yourself first. Reward your dog for any interest in the door.
- Hold the flaps open and lure your dog through with treats. Use a verbal cue like “go outside.”
- Have your dog follow you through the open door, then reward them once on the other side.
- Prop the door open at first so they don’t have to push through flaps. Remove props gradually.
- Toss treats outside to encourage your dog to push through the flaps to exit.
- Practice training for short sessions several times a day until your dog understands.
- Always use positive reinforcement! Never discipline your dog during this process.
With time and consistency, your dog will learn to use their new dog door like a pro. Proper training ensures your pet understands how to enter and exit safely.
Conclusion
Dog doors can be an incredibly helpful addition for pet owners, offering convenience and independence for both owners and pets. But dog doors aren’t right for every home. Considering your specific situation in terms of security, weatherproofing, and your pet’s training can help inform your decision.
If you decide to install a dog door, choose one with features that meet your needs. Measure carefully for proper sizing and utilize professional installation if possible. And be sure to take the time to train your pet to use their new door properly.
Done right, adding a dog door to your home can make life with your furry friend even more enjoyable. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully beforehand.