subject: Pet Dog Door - Secure Your Home While Keeping Your Dog Happy [print this page] If you're looking for a pet dog door, you should know how that installation can affect the security of your home. Most of the traditional dog doors are only flaps supported by a frame at the bottom of the door. Supposing sturdier materials are used in higher quality flaps, it's still an extra egress for you to worry about. Any responsible dog owner should take the following seriously when choosing a pet dog door.
Size is crucial. Don't just get any doggie door, there's a height to consider. 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. One way to limit intruders is to match the door's height with that of your dog's.
Where to place it. Some dog owners automatically place their dog doors on their front doors, where neighbours and potential thieves can see and assess it. Unless you live in a security enabled home, it may be better to place the dog door on your back door (which often runs into a fenced-in backyard). Or at least on another door not in direct view of people passing by your house. You don't want to give thieves ideas.
The type of pet door your need. Some traditional flap doors comes with flaps made or sterner materials than plastic. There are also several lock settings to choose from. The door can be set to swing open, outwards, or inwards; or just one direction, and then gets locked. This one side setting has advantages and disadvantages. This lock setting can either lock your pet indoors, or keep him outside; do you really want to risk an accident and leave your dog outside overnight? An automatic pet dog door is actually a long-term investment in both pet and home safety. Your dog wears a specially equipped collar, one that the door senses when the dog is near; the door, consequently, 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.
