Doggie Doors

[CajunMama]

FINALLY!!!!! I broke down and ordered a storm door with a doggie door in it. The door company installed it today. I was constantly having to let the dogs in and out all evening long. My 18 year old dog won't use it. The neurotice poodle who i thought would be scared of it, had no problem with it. The cairn terrier was scared to death of it but is using it now. Best investment i've made in awhile.

[HeatherN]

I have a dog door and love it! We built ours into the house itself and the dogs go out their door in the kitchen straight into their pen. Now, once my pen becomes self-cleaning I will have it made!

[O Town]

Thats awesome Mama! We have had one we self installed for about 7 years now and its the best thing. I can't imagine life without it. The dogs have come and gone as they please since they have lived in this house, about as long as the older one has been alive. Thats all they know. The cats use it as well, so I never have to hear any meowing or scratching at the doors. The animals basically take care of themselves in that respect. In resent weeks we have been looking at a newer bigger one to replace the one we have now, the 8 year old seems to go really slow throw it now, and has had a leg problem in the past few months. I am wondering if some of it isn't to blame on blasting through the doggie door at 100 mph for years on end. lol. So I think she needs a bigger one. Less work for her.

[JenBayles]

Dave installed one several years ago and we LOVE it! Our old dog Travis was such a sweetie about not going around things like baby gates, it took a while to convince him it was really OK to push his way through the dog door. Our neighbor installed one for his lab, and she never would use the thing. We all took turns sending Travis through to demonstrate, going through ourselves, using treats, but Liz just sat there and grinned. I think she just liked making Rocky let her in and out.

One thing to bear in mind, it is a bit more to clean up since the dogs will drag more dirt in the house. On rainy days the dogs always managed to make a bee line for the mud pit under the bird feeders. We finally gave it up and installed tile. If we're home, I have to say both mutts are very patient about having their feet wiped with a towel before coming in.

Pre-doggy-door, we had a terrible time housebreaking Chica. Dave used to hang a string of bells on the back door as his "burglar alarm", and one night Chica figured out that if she rang the bells with her snout, we'd let her out. Some nights it would start as a small little jingle that we'd try to ignore, and then escalate into a violent clanging as she gotmore and more desperate. Smart girl!

[Lindaloo]

I have the elctronic doggie door. My dogs love it. Well, I still have to let my Corgi on wheels out because her wheels will not fit through the door. lol. She has a wheel chair ramp and everything.

[Stephanie]

My cats would use it as well - especially my hunter, Mac. I'd never see him!

I'm glad that it's working for you!

[Tstormwatcher]

I have 3, one in my back storm door and one leading from the kitchen to the garage and another from the garage to the backyard for when they want to go out at night when the back door is closed.