If you’re looking for a pet dog door, you should know how that installation can affect the security of your home. Dog doors of the traditional variety, often just a frame under a door or on a wall, are often just plastic flaps. Even when they’re made of some sterner material, there are still security worries. Here are three factors to take into consideration when buying 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 smaller person could be your child, someone else’s, or a thief. The last incident you want is for a child to be stuck in your dog door. Also, if your dog can get in and out, other animals in the neighbourhood can, too - racoons, other dogs, etc. So it pays to determine the right height for your doggie door.

Dog door placement. Installing your dog door on your front door might sound convenient, especially when it opens into a fenced front yard - but that also risks announcing to passersby that there’s a smaller door that might be explored by thieves. 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 to any other house door beside your front entrance. The last thing you want is to give thieves a clue on where to start testing entry.

The type of pet door your need. Flap doors also have versions where the flap is made of harder materials. 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. One side setting means when your dog gets in, or out, that’s it. It could lock itself out or seal itself in - at least you know your pet is safe, but you’ll be harassed when your dog wants to get out again. An automatic pet dog door is a solution - but costs hundreds of dollar. Your dog wears a special collar that the door can detect - so it opens only when your dog, and no other animal, 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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