When you’re shopping for a good pet dog door, be aware of how that one installation affects your home’s security. When you think about it, most of the dog doors are only plastic flaps in a frame under the door. Supposing sturdier materials are used in higher quality flaps, it’s still an extra egress for you to worry about. If you’re seriously thinking about buying a pet dog door, here are some considerations to keep in mind.
How big the door is. Since you want only your dog to come in and out, then the door should fit only your pet. One problem with having big dogs is the corresponding dog door size – if it fits them, it will also fit a smaller person. Whoever can fit in that dog door could be anyone – your child, someone else’s, or a short thief. The last incident you want is for a child to be stuck in your dog door. You will also have to worry about other animals coming in and out of your home – via that dog door. So it pays to determine the right height for your doggie door.
Where to place it. Although it seems to be convenient to place your dog door on your front door, that practically announces to the world there’s a smaller, less secure entrance to your house. Many dog owners choose to install their pet doors on their backdoor, which usually leads to a secure backyard. At the very least, on some other door apart from your very visible front door. You don’t want to give thieves ideas.
What type you need. Traditional flap-type doors come also in versions where the door is made of harder plastic. There are also several lock settings to choose from. The door can be set up to swing towards the inside of your house, or outside; or towards on direction only, and then locks itself. One side setting means when your dog gets in, or out, that’s it. This lock setting could lock your pet inside or outside your home – your pet will be safe inside, but oversights happen and it could be left outside, in the cold, overnight. An automatic pet dog door is actually a long-term investment in both pet and home safety. In this set up, your dog wears a collar with a device that the door can detect when near; the door opens only when the dog is near. Having a doggie door is a great benefit for both owner and pet – you won’t have to worry about accidental potty incidents (should your dog be kept inside the house for too long), and the dog can feel free to come and go as it pleases.
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