Infrared Dog Doors

An infrared dog door has a sensing mechanism that unlocks it if a dog wearing an infrared transmitter approaches. The collar with the transmitter should fit comfortably, so that the dog is not irritated, but not so loosely that it slips over the head. The dog will need the special tag to get back indoors, if the weather becomes unbearable, or danger threatens. The transmitter is battery powered, and is weather-resistant, though not waterproof.

The infrared dog doors from Staywell are not flexible. However, that heavy gauge plastic construction makes it possible to install them in metal doors without any interference with the electronics. Infrared responds quickly, and the dog does not have to wait for the door to open.

The 16-7/8" by 11-1/2" opening makes the infrared door suitable for large dogs. The door flaps tend to make quite a bit of noise when they close, which spooks cats. (The same manufacturer does make a smaller infrared door that is suitable for cats.) Other manufacturers make electronic dog doors with different controls. Big dogs, small dogs, and even cats in the same household, can comfortably push through those larger doors.

Getting Your Dog to Use the Dog Door

Unless a dog is timid, training a grown dog to use a dog door is fun. Almost all of them catch on quickly. For puppies, you will need patience, as with everything else, and you cannot get angry.

On the day the dog door is installed, try to leave the flap off for a while. Go outside yourself--through a regular door--and call your dog to come through the dog door. When he does, give him a doggie treat and praise him highly. Then, have someone else, inside the house, call the dog to go back through the dog door, and also reward him with a treat and much praise. You probably will not need the treats more than three or four times. Later that day, or the next day, put the flap in place and start all over again. Some dogs will learn the new game the very first day!