A Doggy Door allows your pet free reign to leave and enter your house without assistance. Here's everything you need to know about them.
Why Purchase a Doggy Door?
A Doggy Door enables your dog to go outside at any time. You won't have to constantly monitor his need to potty, especially at night or when you are out. Installing a Doggy Door will also eliminate barking or scratching at the door when your dog gets the urge. And if you are away from home for long periods of time each day, a Doggy Door will give your pet the ability to get exercise and avoid that cooped-up feeling, which makes for a happier pet.
Types of Doggy Doors
There are both manual and electronic Doggy Doors available. The manual doors are more cost-friendly and require the dog to push on the flap to exit or enter the house. You may purchase an economy type, a more solidly constructed type or a patio panel model. For safety purposes, a deadbolt door can also be installed.
Electronic Doggy Doors use a sensor on your dog's collar to activate the door. This prevents neighbor dogs, other animals or even human intruders from gaining access to your home.
Determining the Right Size Doggy Door
Select the proper door based upon your dog's measurements and weight. 
A good rule of thumb is that the bottom of the Doggy Door should be 1 to 2 inches lower than the rise of your dog (the measurement from the floor to the lowest part of your dog's chest or stomach). Make sure it is high enough, and wide enough, to accommodate your dog comfortably. If the dog has to squeeze through, he is not likely to use it.
Training Your Dog to Use the Doggy Door
We are all creatures of habit, including dogs. Encourage the dog to go through "his" door by calling him from both inside and outside of the door. Reward him with treats each time he goes through, and he will soon know the drill.
