Has anyone crafted an original handmade dog door? We have a store-bought plastic (and ugly) dog door installed in our back door. Even though we paid over $100 for the door it's already falling apart.
We're looking for (large dog tested) ideas to make our own or referrals to a company that makes high-quality, good-looking dog doors. It has to be lockable for when we go out of town.
Thanks,
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca,
Coincidentally, our neighbor recently made his own doggy door for his Rottweiler (name: Diesel, haha). We asked him if he had used a tutorial, and he recommended this one from Real Living Australia. After giving it the once-over, we'd say this tutorial ranks somewhere in the medium-to-high difficulty range, but if you're particularly good with power tools and liquid nails, this could be a good solution. Plus, you could customize it to fit your style!
P.S. He did offer a very interesting suggestion, but we're not sure if he was joking or serious: if your style is kitschy, you could use a mudflap from one of those big trucks which you can find on eBay.
Anyone have any other suggestions for Rebecca?
A doggy door is a terrible idea in a northern climate where energy efficiency is king.
view Quince's profile
Growing up our house was burglarized. They crawled in through the dog door. I think the only way I'd have one is to have the kind where it's locked until the dog's collar unlocks it with a signal. Safety first!
view LilyC's profile
my parents dog is named deisel as well. i love that name!
view jln3681's profile
i LOVE the mudflap idea. AND you already have the whole cut out so....
or what about this?....http://www.solopetdoors.com/
they're pricey but electric pet doors are great, they save energy because your pet's collar regulates when it opens, keeping unwanted critters (strays-burglars, even) out. And there would be less wear and tear since the door isn't opened by the actual animal.
good luck
view Stephvixen's profile
An electric doggy door won't necessarily keep a burglar out. If your dog is the type who has never met a stranger, all a potential intruder would have to do is wait until the dog activates the doggy door, and then he could climb in the house...
view Maddeson's profile
Please check out the website www.freedompetpassdirect.com.
This pet door is truly energy efficient. It is draft-free, water-tight and bug free. The Freedom Pet Pass Pet Door is tested against a leaf blower to prove its draft-free wind proof design and has a video to prove it. It also features a unique locking security door to put your mind at ease. This pet door is manufactured in Michigan to withstand the northern climate and energy efficiency is the foremost concern along with ease and comfort for your pets use.
view dalgar's profile