Dog owners who install a doggie door install them for their canine’s convenience, and because this handy little exit means no more potty walks or opening the door to let the hound out. Whenever he has the urge, he can simply take to the outdoors. And as long as there is a suitable fence or other containment system in place, owners can rest easy, knowing their dog will return from his outing when he’s ready.
A doggie door is something you can install yourself, and relatively inexpensive. Of course more expensive models are available depending upon your preferences. When you place a price tag on those potty walks you’ve been taking your pup on, you may decide a doggie door is worth every penny. Aside from using a doggie door as a convenient housebreaking tool, there are a few unsavory uses to consider.
A doggie door is not necessarily used by dogs only. Any small animal can enter your home. The neighborhood cat can hang out on your sofa while you’re away; a burglar can see the doggie door as either a deterrent realizing there’s a dog in the home or an easy access to the valuables inside. There have been reports of dog owners finding unwanted squirrels and skunks in the house. By installing a doggie door, you are creating an extra entrance other size appropriate critters can take advantage of.
Invisible fence systems coupled with a doggie door increase the chances that wildlife will utilize the doggie door, as well. If your dog’s exit goes to a fenced in yard, you at least have a barrier in place preventing neighborhood creatures from entering. A fence also serves as visual barrier preventing burglars from seeing the doggie door. When weighing the pros and cons of a doggie door, the list really has to be unique to your dog and your lifestyle. Let’s take a look at three scenarios, for example.
It’s not for you, or Fido
You’ve seen evidence of other wild animals on your back porch. Your pup is prone to digging, chasing rabbits and is not the best at responding to commands.
On the Fence
Rover is obedient, for the most part. You trust him out in the yard whether it’s with a visible or invisible fence, but you worry about what he may do with the freedom while you are away at work. Your hound is a bit famous for tracking in the outdoors and has dug out a couple of time, but that was a while back now. You think you would like the convenience of a doggie door, but you aren’t sure how much you’d let your dog use it, especially without supervision.
Go For It!
You work all day and Fido just can’t hold it. Thankfully, he has a fenced in back yard in a safe neighborhood. You keep a collar on him and you’ve micro-chipped your dog in the event of an escape. He’s actually good about going outside when he has the urge and returning inside when he’s done. He is likely past the puppy stage and content to remain inside except when he needs the break allotted by the outdoors.
Do one of the situations above mirror you and your dog? There are steps that can be taken to move from one to the next including adding a fenced backyard, or implementing an invisible containment system as long as other wildlife do not impose on your home. However, changing your work schedule and your dog’s behaviors may not be as easy.
Many doggie doors come with a locking option; while sealing the whole you’ve cut in the door may be out of the question, you can still close and lock the doggie door if you don’t want to give Fido free reign of the yard while you’re out of the house.
Dr. Susan Wright, DMV is an expert on dog containment systems with DogFenceDIY.com. Susan has been providing care for pets as a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. As an authority on domestic pet care, Susan enjoys writing articles that help people provide the best care for their pets.







