How to choose the best dog door for your home
Soda testing out our new doggy door.
It took me three years to decide to use a dog door, and I even lived in a house that already had one! I kept it closed and to be fair the flap had disintegrated and was a bit slimy, so I wasn’t going to let my dogs use it, eww!
However, after working from home for two years during covid, and constantly being interrupted during meetings by Soda and Poppy scratching the back door to go outside, I decided to take the plunge and install a new doggy door. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to dog doors, so take your time to weigh up the pros and cons and think about what type of door would suit your home.
Doggy doors: pros and cons
Let’s start with the pros:
Bye-bye accidents, hello clean floors! A dog door can eliminate the need for your dog to hold their bladder or wait for you to let them out. This can help reduce messy surprises waiting for you when you get home and promote good toilet training habits.
No more being at your dog’s beck and call. Say goodbye to those constant barks and scratches at the door when your dog needs to go out. With a doggy door they can take care of their business outside without relying on you to hurry home to let them out. It's a win-win situation for you both!
Freedom and flexibility for busy owners. We all have busy schedules, and sometimes it's challenging to find time for those extra doggie walks. A doggy door provides a practical solution. You can rest easy knowing that your furry friend can stretch their legs and get fresh air whenever they need it, even if you're not around.
Peace of mind while away from home. Knowing that your dog has the freedom to seek shelter indoors when the weather turns bad provides peace of mind. You don't have to worry about your furry friend being stuck outside in hot weather or a scary thunderstorm. Likewise, in the event of an emergency, like a house fire, it’s good to know your dog can escape outside.
Healthy, happy dogs. Dogs thrive on exercise and mental stimulation. A doggy door enables them to stay physically active and mentally engaged. They can do zoomies in the backyard, play fetch to their heart's content and have a snooze in the sun. The fresh air and mental stimulation can help dogs stay busy and entertained while you’re not home.
And now for the cons:
Security concerns. First things first, installing a dog door can raise some security concerns. It's essentially creating an additional entry point into your home, which could potentially attract unwanted attention from intruders or curious wildlife.
Installation may be expensive. Installing a doggy door often involves modifications to your existing door, wall or window, so if you don’t have great DIY skills you might have to engage a professional which could be expensive.
Not all dog doors are energy efficient. Standard doggy doors may not provide the same level of insulation as a regular door, which can lead to increased heating and cooling costs. However, there are energy-efficient options available that can help minimise these concerns.
Training can be challenging. Training your dog to use a dog door may require a lot of time, effort, and patience. Some dogs may be hesitant or fearful initially, requiring additional training and positive reinforcement.
How to choose a dog door
These days you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to doggie doors. They come in different sizes, different material and they can be installed into different types of doors, walls and even glass. Let’s take a look at the different options and the pros and cons of each.
Traditional flap dog doors
Let's start with the classic choice, the traditional flap door. These tried-and-true doggie doors consist of a flexible flap that allows your pup to push through and go in or out. They are available in various sizes and materials and can be easily installed on most doors or walls.
Pros:
Cost effective and easy to install.
They come in different sizes and durable materials, accommodating various dog breeds.
Cons:
Some traditional flap doors may not provide the same level of insulation as other options, potentially leading to drafts and energy loss.
Sliding glass door insert
This is a convenient and temporary solution for installing a doggie door which can be ideal for renters. This option involves placing a panel with a built-in dog door into the existing track of the sliding door, allowing your dog to come and go as they please.
Pros:
No permanent modifications to the door or wall is required.
Easy installation and removal.
Maintains the aesthetics of the sliding glass door.
Cons:
Limited insulation compared to other options.
Not as secure as some other types of doggie doors.
Not suitable for homes without sliding glass doors.
Electronic smart dog doors
Electronic smart doors offer a range of features to enhance convenience and security. These dog doors use sensors, such as microchips, to allow access only to authorised pets. When your dog approaches the door, it recognises their microchip and unlocks, granting them access while keeping other animals (and humans) out.
Pros:
Controlled access, ensuring only your dog can enter.
Some models can be programmed to allow entry at specific times.
Enhanced security features prevent intrusions.
Available in different sizes and styles to suit your needs.
Cons:
Generally more expensive than traditional flap doors.
Requires additional setup and programming.
May not be suitable for dogs who are fearful of electronic sounds.
Glass door or window dog doors
Whether you have a glass sliding door, a hinged glass door or a glass window, these stylish doggy doors can be seamlessly installed directly into the single or double-glazed glass, giving your dog access to the outdoors. With features like weather seals and locking mechanisms, these doors offer insulation and enhances security.
Pros:
Seamless integration: Glass door doggie doors are specially designed to fit into your existing glass door, providing a clean and integrated look.
Many glass doggie doors feature double glazed glass and weather seals, offering improved insulation and energy efficiency.
Cons:
This option is suitable only if you have a glass door or window.
Professional installation is recommended.
Energy efficient insulated dog doors
If you're concerned about energy efficiency and extreme weather conditions, an insulated doggie door is an excellent option. These doors are designed with double or triple flaps and insulated frames to minimise drafts and maintain indoor temperature, making them a great choice for regions with hot summers or cold winters.
Pros:
Excellent insulation, reducing energy loss.
Helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Provides extra protection against extreme weather.
Available in various sizes and styles to suit different needs.
Cons:
Generally more expensive than traditional flap doors.
May be bulkier than other options, requiring more space for installation.
Some dogs may find the multiple flaps confusing initially.
Installation might require professional assistance.
Wall mounted dog doors
If you prefer a more permanent installation, wall mounted doggie doors are an excellent choice. These doors are installed directly into an exterior wall of your home. Wall mounted doors can accommodate small to larger dogs.
Pros:
Sturdy and weather resistant.
Accommodates large dogs.
Permanent installation.
Cons:
May require professional assistance for installation.
Placement of the door is limited to exterior walls, restricting its flexibility in some homes.
Screen dog doors
For those warm summer days when you want to let fresh air in, a screen door with a built-in doggie door is a fantastic solution. These doors feature a pet door integrated into the screen, allowing your dog to come and go freely while keeping insects and bugs out. Screen door options are perfect for pet owners who want the benefits of a doggie door without sacrificing ventilation and natural light.
Pros:
Easy installation into existing screen doors.
Allows fresh air and natural light into your home while keeping insects and bugs out.
Cons:
Screen doors may not provide the same level of security as other dog door options.
They may not offer insulation against drafts and temperature changes compared to more solid door options.
How to teach your dog to use a dog door
This is the fun part! Grab some treats and follow these tips to help your dog master their doggy door.
Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise for interacting with the door and gradually progressing through it.
Introduce a command: Use a consistent command, like "door" or "outside," to associate with the action of going through the doggy door.
Take gradual steps: Start with an open door, guide your dog through it, and gradually close the door until they can push it open themselves.
Be patient and consistent: Understand that every dog learns at their own pace, so be patient and consistent with your training sessions. When I taught my girls to use our doggy door, Soda picked it up straight away, however it took Poppy a few days to finally use it.
Remember to stay positive, be patient, and praise your pup along the way - your furry friend will soon master the art of using the doggy door!
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