Dogs rule! Almost half of American homes have dogs and enjoy the emotional and health benefits of pet ownership. However, the third time you get up to let the dog in or out during your favorite TV show or waiting for your pet to come back inside on a frigid night is not much fun. A pet door might just be the ticket but be sure you take these 5 things into consideration before you buy.
1. Research your Options.
There are many different kinds of dog doors and many different places to put them. What will work best for you? Do you want the dog to have access to the whole house and go in and out as the dog pleases? Do you just want the dog to have access to your garage or a single room like a mud room that leads outside so the dog can come in when the weather is bad? What about your own security? There are many different types of dog doors so figure out where you want the door and then research the best options for you.
2. Don’t Expect your Dog to Love it, and Size does Count.
It’s a dog door so your dog should use it, right? Not necessarily. Realize that you may well have to spend some time training the dog to use the door – a trainer might even have to be called in to help. Be sure you size the door correctly so your dog can use it easily – squeezing through may mean the dog will refuse to use the door at all.
3. What about your Energy Requirements?
You want to conserve energy. You just spent a bundle on replacement windows. Now, you’re going to put a flap-entry doggie door in that allows your air conditioned or heated air to escape to the outside while the outside comes in? Or, you’re going to put a panel in your sliding glass door and hope that the weather proofing really works? Energy conservation is a consideration so consider the type of door you buy, how it is installed and how efficient it is.
4. What about Security?
The dog is going to the kennel and you’re leaving on vacation. How secure is your doggie door? If your dog is large, a person may be able to slither through the door. Is your very secure sliding glass door lock now flimsy? These are all considerations that should be addressed before you buy.
5. Where Should you Buy?
OK, the low prices on the Internet may seem attractive until you get what you’ve paid for – not much. Big box stores may have actual doors with built in doggie-doors that offer one alternative. But, here’s a consideration you may not have thought to check out. Give your window replacement company a call – after all, they did a great job with the windows. Many window replacement contractors can design an energy efficient, custom pet door that allows you sliding door to slide, function and lock the same way it always has. Best of all, they even have double pane, safety glass models. It might be the best option for you and your dog!
A note from Ron & Deb: