Large Dog Doors

There are a large number of dog doors on the market, from a dozen or more manufacturers. Knowing that you need one to accommodate a large dog will eliminate a few models from consideration. The next consideration is where the door needs to be installed.

With a large dog, you might need a dog door in a screen door. However, if your dog is so terrified of thunderstorms that he makes a panicked dash for the house, he will likely tear a huge hole in the screen itself, rather than go in through his own dog door. You will need to be the judge of that possibility. Please do not show anger toward the poor animal, if his courage fails him. Thunder can mean major trauma for some dogs. So, providing a safe entryway back into the house is a great kindness.

Usually, you will need a dog door in a regular wooden or metal door that leads to your garage or backyard. Also, an installation in a house wall that faces the backyard is a very real option for a big dog. Unless you have guard dogs for commercial property, next to the front door is probably not the place for a doggie door. Besides detracting from the resale value of the house, the dog might frighten visitors.

You will probably have several choices: a classic dog door that seals tightly behind the dog after the flap closes; an infrared door that unlocks but requires the dog to push it open with his nose; or a fully electronic or electromagnetic automatic door. It will help to read all the manufacturers' brochures and specs you can find. Making the right choice for your house and your dog will bring much peace of mind. You might lose a collar tag or two, or need to change a failed battery, or replace a tag that gets wet, but the minor inconveniences should be just that.