Choosing a Dog Door: Pet and Home Factors to Consider

For many homes with one or more dogs who spend time both inside and outside, a dog door is a common consideration for homeowners. What should you be considering when choosing a dog door for your home, including both pet and home elements?

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re here to serve as your one-stop shop for all things entry doors, exterior doors, garage doors, Pella windows, and more around Utah and Idaho. Our offices in Salt Lake City, St. George, and Boise allow us optimal coverage of both states, with extensive services that also include dog door installation for any home. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a dog door for your home, from the various door sizes and flap options to placement tips and more.

Dog Door Sizes and Flap Strength Options

There are a wide range of dog door sizes and flap strength options available on the market today. When choosing a dog door for your home, it’s important to consider the size and breed of your dog, as well as their energy level and activity level.

While these will vary by brand, here are some general size ranges for dog doors:

• Small: for dogs up to 15 pounds
• Medium: for dogs between 15 and 40 pounds
• Large: for dogs between 40 and 90 pounds
• Extra-large: for dogs over 90 pounds

Keep in mind that these size ranges are just a guideline, as each dog may vary in their height and weight. It’s important to measure your dog before purchasing a dog door to ensure the best fit.

Flap type and strength are also important to consider. There are a few common varieties here:

• Traditional flap door: These are the most common type of dog door and have a simple flap that swings open and closed. This type is suitable for most dogs and can come in various sizes. Materials for the flap are typically plastic or vinyl.
• Magnetic flap door: This type of door has a magnet on the bottom of the flap, which helps it stay closed when not in use. This can be useful for keeping out unwanted pests or drafts, but some dogs may need to be trained to push through the magnetic resistance.
• Weather-resistant flap options: For areas with extreme weather conditions, there are dog doors available that have insulated flaps to keep out rain, snow, and wind. These doors may also have additional features such as a double flap system or draft seals for added protection.
• Electronic smart door: These doors utilize technology such as sensors or microchips to only allow specific pets access. This can be helpful for households with multiple pets or keeping out stray animals. However, these doors tend to be more expensive and may require batteries or electricity to operate.

It’s important to consider your dog’s behavior and needs when choosing a flap type or electronic door. For example, if you have a skittish dog, a flap that is too loud or difficult to push open may cause anxiety and prevent them from using the door.

Keeping Security Top of Mind

When it comes to both dog door selection and dog door installation in your home, it’s important to keep security in mind. While you want your dog to have easy access in and out of the house, you also don’t want to compromise the safety of your home.

If you’re installing a flap door, choose one with a secure lock or consider adding an additional locking mechanism. For electronic doors, make sure they can only be activated by your dog’s specific collar or microchip.

Placement Considerations

When considering the placement of your dog door, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Accessibility: Make sure the door is easily accessible for your dog. If they have to climb stairs or jump over obstacles to get through it, they may be less likely to use it.
• Weather Protection: Consider placing the door in an area that offers some protection from harsh weather conditions. This will help keep your home insulated and protect your dog from extreme temperatures or rain.
• Safety: Avoid installing the door near any potential hazards such as busy roads, swimming pools, or other dangerous areas.
• Size: Take into account the size of your dog when choosing the location of the door. You want to make sure they can comfortably fit through it and that it is not too high or low for them to reach.
• Accessibility: Consider placing the door in an area that your dog can easily access. If they have to navigate through obstacles or stairs, it may discourage them from using the door.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re here to help with all your dog door installation needs around Utah and Idaho, plus with choosing a dog door for your home. Contact us today to learn more or get started!