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​Holistic And Organix Pet Shoppe ©
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Doggie doors allow your dog more freedom to both worlds. Dogs love being able to check everything out inside and out. Why should you as a pet parent spend time running back and forth just to let your dog go potty or see what that noise is..when he can go on his own? Doggie/pet doors can be great investments for you and your pet. Having 5 dogs of my own, I would be exhausted running back and forth to let them go out for any reason. Doggie doors are a great tool to have for a home with multiple dogs as well. Even having a single dog, it allows your dog to decide when he is wanting to go out and not depending on you, giving your dog some freedom and independence. 
Even though I have a doggie door, I also monitor what's going on outside as well. Anything from a dog fight, to an intruder in the yard that may possibly try to do harm to my dogs. So I am always on guard keeping an eye on my furbabies to keep them safe. I am finding that allowing a dog access to the backyard while you are away can and has been known to be fatal. Anywhere from cops coming into yards and shooting your dog to an intruder doing harm as well as wild animals if you live in an area like that. So always be vigilante and if you are away and your dog won't be stuck inside more than 6-8 hours, then put the door on the doggie door to close it up. All doggie doors should come with a heavy duty (metal inside) sturdy door cover. 
​Now for the install, follow the instructions that comes with your new door. The installation is crucial. This is not something you can do over if cutting into a door or wall. It's a one time shot at getting it right. 
​Hold up the template that came with your new doggie door and tape it to the door as to where you want it. You can make sure it is centered evenly by measuring both sides from doggie door to end of human door. If you didn't get a template, then hold the frame of the doggie door up and mark your door frame on your door to create your lines for cutting. Make certain you have the correct size of door for your dog. I see way too many undersized doors for large dogs. Do not make this mistake! It can cause joint issues down the road with long term use. 
You want the door to come up past your dog's shoulders when your dog is standing so that it is a slight drop in the head for them to go through it. Also you do not want a door that is 6 inches off the ground. Why make a dog step through a doggie door as if jumping hurdles. Common sense plays a key role here. Please use it.

​Clearly the owner that installed this door (below) lacked common sense and knowledge and this will cause this dog many issues. Make sure the door is wide enough for your dog. Measure your dog's shoulders from side to side. Add at least two inches to that measurement to make sure that dog has enough room to go through the door without scraping or squeezing through it. These points are extremely crucial. 
As for installing, after you have taped up your template, mark your door with a pencil to where you will be cutting it out. Drill holes in all 4 corners right inside the corner of your marked area. If using a jigsaw to cut, the holes should be large enough for your jigsaws blade to fit through that hole to get started cutting. Then you will start your cut. Each side one at a time...taking it slow and easy. Once you have your hole cut, do a dry fit with your doggie door. Slide both sides in and make sure they come together properly and line up for the screws to go through to attach it. All doggie doors are different so follow the instructions you were given. Make sure you have read them. It could mean a hole in your door or wall you can't fix and have to go buy a new door cause you cut it wrong . This is not a job to hurry on. Take your time and get it right. You only have one shot. If you are confused, go to YouTube and watch videos on how to install a pet door.
​As for installing, after you have taped up your template, mark your door with a pencil to where you will be cutting it out. Drill holes in all 4 corners right inside the corner of your marked area. If using a jigsaw to cut, the holes should be large enough for your jigsaws blade to fit through that hole to get started cutting. Then you will start your cut. Each side one at a time...taking it slow and easy. Once you have your hole cut, do a dry fit with your doggie door. Slide both sides in and make sure they come together properly and line up for the screws to go through to attach it. All doggie doors are different so follow the instructions you were given. Make sure you have read them. It could mean a hole in your door or wall you can't fix and have to go buy a new door cause you cut it wrong . This is not a job to hurry on. Take your time and get it right. You only have one shot. If you are confused, go to YouTube and watch videos on how to install a pet door.
​For a well fit and installed door, see the image below. This is low to the ground so that even a small dog can come through it like a dachshund and large enough for a 100 lb dog to go through it as well. I highly recommend a double flap door especially if you don't have a cover over your porch area as the weather can take a toll on it and wind and rain can come in. A double flap helps insulate it better and its harder for the wind to blow it. On really crappy weather days and you know your dog won't be going outside, put the doggie door cover on to seal out the wind drafts, rain and blowing snow or hail. 
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My Doggie Door- MaxSeal/Security Boss Double Flap
​A few tips, pet doors are made from all types of materials. Plastic, metal and different types of vinyl flaps. So really look them over. The weights on the flaps and weather stripping on them are something to pay attention to as well.
There are two brands that make the best longest lasting doors out there and they are not cheap. That would be MaxSeal/Security Boss sold by MoorePet.com which is where I bought mine. Also HALE makes a good one as well and is slightly more in costs than the Maxseal/Security Boss on price. Your Petsafe is cheaper. They do make a metal one but it is only a single flap but at a reasonable price. I like a flush to the door doggie door. Some are big and bulky. UGH! 

Correctly Installed Pet Doors

​With these steps, I probably would have put a ramp here instead. As the dog ages, these steps will become a problem.

Incorrectly Installed Doors

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Way too small and way to high. Horrible.
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Wood door and may be hard to lower doggie door but it is too high for this dog.
While adding the steps is a good thing, this door is clearly way to small and this dog is struggling to crawl through this door. ​
Unacceptable!


​While this doggie door may have been installed correctly, notice the huge drop to the ground. Clearly this door will need steps, decking or a ramp of some sort to allow dog safe access in and out. 

​Other ideas and doors

Add a top on this and a doggie door (or two) and you have a cover to shield your wall from outside elements. Cool idea!

Wall Install

Photos have been selected from random photos. If any of these belong to you and would like them removed, please contact me.