What Should You Know When Installing a Dog Door?

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Last Updated on May 2, 2021 by Pauline G. Carter

Do you know that installing a dog door in your house gives your pet the freedom to come and go whenever it wants? It gives your dog the freedmen to go outside to potty or exercise even when you are not in the house.

Dog doors come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit a dog of every size. Here are some of the things that you should know when installing a dog door.

Table of Contents

Your Pet Size and Age Matters

When planning dog door installation, the first thing you need to know is that the size of your dog matters. This will determine the type and size of the door to buy. Know the measurement of your dog to determine what size door you will buy

If you have a puppy, remember that it will grow eventually so, don’t buy a small dog that you will have to replace later. To know how big your dog will grow later on. Study on their breed and get an idea to know the maximum size they may get.

There Are a Lot of Options for Placement of the Dog Door

Common places to place your dog door include the backdoor or the screen door. These are not the only options you have.

There are dog door models that go on exterior walls, others go in windows, and others are installed in sliding glass doors. Look at your house and decide which door placement works best for you and your dog.

Your Dog May Need Training

Installing a dog door does not mean that your dog will start using it right away. Some may be scared and shy away from the door. If that is the case, your dog may need encouragement and training to learn how to use the door. Use some treats to ease the training process.

Tell a family member to stand on the opposite side of the door and call the dog when you open the door so that it can see it’s possible to get through. Luring the dog with a tasty treat will make the learning process easier.

Dog Door Can Let in Other Things in Your House

Despite a pet door giving your dog access indoors and outdoors, it can pose some security issues. This door can babe used by burglars to get entry into your house or let in things like wildlife, unwanted animals, neighborhood dogs, bugs, rain, or snow in your home.

Small children can also crawl in and out through the doors and might end up hurting themselves. Also, the dog can track mud into the house before you can stop them. These are some of the possibilities you need to consider before installing a dog door in your house.

Installing a dog door grants your pet more access in and out of the house. The convenience the dog door offers outweighs the concerns you may get while deciding whether to install the door. Having these things in mind will help you make an informed decision while installing a dog door.