Does My Dog Need a Door?

Does My Dog Need a Door?

Whether your tired of being a doggy doorman or you have a busy schedule with no time to let your furry friend outside, you may be looking for a way your dog can come and go from the house on his own. The answer could be a doggy door! We have a few things you should know before buying a dog door.

Dog Doors Have Gone High Tech

When you think of a doggy door, you imagine a simple flap. Well those days are gone. Today, you can shop for a dog door that reads your dog’s microchip and opens only for him. This will help keep visiting dogs out of your house and prevent wildlife from entering too.

Your Dog May Need Some Door Training

Some dogs understand the concept of a doggy door better than others. But just like any type of training, take it slowly and make it fun!

Get someone to join you in the training process. You stand on one side of the door, while your friend is on the other side. Use a favorite treat. First working through just the opening of the dog door, with the flap removed.

After your dog is comfortable going back and forth through the dog door opening, add the flap. A smear of peanut butter will help encourage your dog to get his face right up against the flap.

Size Matters

Dog doors range from small to extra-large with a size for every four legged friend. Since a dog door is a fairly large purchase, you should take into account the possibility you get another dog or if your dog is still growing. If you think you may add a larger dog to your family someday, it’s safer to go up in size. A smaller dog can easily use a larger door, but it doesn’t work the other way around.

But consider the weight of the flap if you have a very small dog. Some flaps have magnetic snaps that help with your home’s energy efficiency but can make it challenging for a small dog to get through.

Consider Home Security

If you have a larger dog and you need a large doggy door, spend some extra time comparing security features before you make your decision. Electronic dog door that read your dog’s microchip or special dog tag provide you with extra security. Manual lockable pet doors let you lock the door any time, including when you travel.

Overall, dog doors can be a great way to give your pet some freedom to go outside while you’re away. We recommend spending some time comparing the different options for doggy doors that will suit your home and your furry friend.