What To Know When Looking For The Best Dog Door?

 

Dogs are intelligent and smart animals but sometimes, you have to let them do things on your own such as coming and going out of the house, while you are at work or are busy. You cannot be a doggy doorman all the time. For this reason alone, you are going to need a dog door. So, let’s take a look at some important points that will help you shop for the best dog doors.

1. Dog Doors Have Gone High Tech

There was a time when dog doors were simply flaps installed on regular doors for your dog to move in and out. However, today, they have gone high-tech to the point where they can detect the chips and automatically open the door for the dog.

Not only will this allow safe movement for your dog but also keep your house safe and protected against wildlife from entering your house. Furthermore, if the dog door happens to be extra-large, it will prevent a burglar from entering as well.

In addition to that, if you have multiple pets, you can also restrict access to some, for instance, if your cat or dog happens to be injured, you can restrict cats indoors and allow the dog to use the door.

2. You Will Have To Train Your Dog To Use The New Door

Depending on how smart your dog really is, you may or may not need to train it to use the doggy door. Instead of hurrying up with the training, you should take things slowly and make it fun for the dog. Try asking a friend for help and using treats on each side of the door.

Make sure that you allow your dog to learn at its own pace. Stop the training as soon as you see signs of stress. Remove the flap during the training process. Once your dog has learned how to move, you can add the flap.

3. You Have Several Options In Hand

When it comes to choosing a dog door, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the dog flap installed in every household out there. While that may be the most popular choice, you have several options in hand as well.

You can choose a wall-mounted dog door. It will be made by cutting a hole in the wall and fitting a dog door in the empty space. Therefore, consider your options and select the one that matches your needs and preferences.

4. Size Matters

This is perhaps the most important point you need to keep in mind. Your final decision rests on the size of your dog. The last thing you would want is the dog door to be too small for your dog to move in and out. If your dog is relatively smaller, it might struggle to move through the dog flap.

That said, you should find out the maximum size and height it will grow up to in the future. The numbers vary based on the breeds. This will help save costs associated with installing a larger door and making modifications later on.

5. Consider Home Security

And finally, it comes down to considering your home security. Your dog door is only going to be of any benefit as long as it keeps intruders out of the house as well. Therefore, you should be careful with your options such as electronic doors, doors with manual locks and tinted flaps, etc. If you still find the process confusing, do not hesitate to consult a professional.

Final Word

Choosing the right doggy door can be frustrating. However, keep the tips mentioned above in mind to help narrow down the options and make a perfect choice both for your dog as well as your house. For finding the best dog doors, look for sturdy materials and reputed brands.