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.
The size of the door. 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. That person could be a thief, or a child trying to sneak out or in. You wouldn't want a child stuck there, and possibly injured. There's also the worry of other animals being able to do as they please - in and out of your home. So it pays to determine the right height for your doggie door.
Placement matters. 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. It might be best, safer, to install the pet door on your back door, which often leads to a backyard anyway. Or to any other house door beside your front entrance. Do not give potential burglars any ideas.
What type you need. Some traditional flap doors comes with flaps made or sterner materials than plastic. Remember, too, that there are several lock settings you can choose from. You can have the door swing both ways - to the inside and outside, or one side only, or only inside and then gets locked. 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 a solution - but costs hundreds of dollar. 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. It's wonderful to have a doggie door at home - it allows your dog to go out and come back as it wants to, leaving you free from the need to keep letting in and out.
