Replies

1. 
   FrankB89 | Jul 07, 2003 07:23am | #1

   I've installed the pet doors designed to be set in a door, but built a longer "tunnel" out of plywood so they could be placed in a wall in situations like yours.  Not too difficult once you realize how the ready-made door goes together.  Seems to me I had to use some longer screws...it's been awhile.

   Someone had me install a pet door several years ago that was designed to go in a wall, but despite searching diligently, I haven't run across one of those since.

   Some friends of ours have 3 of those Mini-Doxies...Maybe you could just modify a piece of 3" PVC pipe....  :-)

   If your door is going to be exposed to weather, be sure and paint and weatherize your installation.  The ready-made doors are plastic, but when you start getting wooden openings in a house...

   
   

   ---

   Edited 7/7/2003 12:33:54 AM ET by Notchman

2. 
   Rugby | Jul 07, 2003 07:35am | #2

   I've installed a couple pet doors but through walls only.  I don't remember the manufacturer but had to seal off the wall cavity.  This site seems to have a good selection:

   http://www.petdoors.com

   
   

   ---

   Edited 7/7/2003 12:38:06 AM ET by Rugby

3. 
   RCovell | Jul 07, 2003 08:02am | #3

   I'd go through the wall if you have a good location. I've done several that way and it's not too hard to figure out. You just need some blocking between the wall coverings (Sheetrock?). I've used both 2x4's and sheet metal carefully cut and fit in the hole to form that 'tunnel' you need.

   Bob

4. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Jul 07, 2003 08:06am | #4

   Do a google with the search phrase "pet door sliding".  You'll find several manufacturers sell pet doors intended for installation into sliding patio doors.  Here's just one example -- http://www.petsafe-warehouse.com/dog_doors/patio_panel_doors.htm   You can also find motorized ones activated by a tag on the dog's collar.

5. 
   Luka | Jul 07, 2003 09:04am | #5

   A two pound sledge will modify the slider for you.

   Then all you need is a big piece of plywood and the doggie door...

   ; )

   A good heart embiggins even the smallest person.

   Quittin' Time

6. 
   Ruby | Jul 07, 2003 03:04pm | #6

   A question for me! I have trained dogs for 30+ years and have seen all kinds of dog doors.

   Go to Pet's Mart or such big pet store in your town and look at them.

   They should have several types for you to choose from. Some have a flimsy plastic flap that works very well, especially with smaller dogs that have trouble with the rigid kinds.

   Some are long and  made to fit into a slider and you still can use the door just fine.

   All have a locking board to keep dogs from goiong out when yo don't want them.

   Buy a "Dog Fancy magazine and yo will see their ads all over.

   One kind for sliders you can see at, what else: http://www.petdoors.com

   Once you install any kind, leave it open by tying the flap up at first, for the dogs to get used to go thru, with you on the other side. Don't force them and when they catch on, however long it takes them (most a few minutes but some a day or two) they will be unstoppable.

   Dogs love the chance to get out.

1. 
   TurtleBoy | Jul 07, 2003 09:18pm | #7

   I want to thank all of you for the advice on the doggie door. I'll be looking into it with the help of me wife.

   Getting them to go though it should be fun

   Thanks again Turtleboy

1. 
   MIKEBUETTNER | Jul 07, 2003 10:44pm | #8

   Try these guys. They make great pet doors (I have one) and they have doors for walls and sliding glass doors:

   http://www.petdoors.com/

   bit

2. 
   briankeith | Jul 08, 2003 01:35am | #9

   Hi Ruby,

   I've got another question for you.........

   Anybody make a door that keeps my Sally, she's a beagle, from dragging a rabbit through her doggie door. She came through her door the other day backwards with a nice fresh one. She was <b><i> Proud</b></i> as she could be.

   And you are right, she loves her door. She uses it even if I have the door open right next to it.

   Brian

1. 
   Ruby | Jul 08, 2003 03:24am | #10

   Leave it to a beagle to bring in a rabbit dinner for you.

   I hope that you were properly appreciative of such a magnificent present!

   One good thing to remember with dog doors is that other can go thru than dogs.

   Our cat, that learned to use that door almost faster than most dogs, just watching the first dog trying it, brought us once a half grown rattlesnake, thankfully decapitated first.

   Good idea to close it if you have other critters than may get in thru it when you are not there, like at night.

   It is best, if possible, to place the dog door where the wind will not be blowing directly on it or a very strong wind may keep it a little open at times. That is a concern here because the wind blows all the time.

   For puppies or very small dogs, we built a little carpeted ramp for both sides and once they learn to go thru, we take those ramps out and they climb thru it like troopers, even the littlest ones. Fun to watch them.

   Oh, by the way, beagles were bred for hunting and it would be very hard to keep them from it. They are too obsessive about it and would be frustrated with prey around they wanted and could not get to.

   Best way to keep a dog from doing something it is bred to do is to keep it where it can't do it.

   You can train any dog to do anything but much harder if it goes against their instincts. It takes much training and supervision, something most owners don't have the time and desire for.

   Most dog owners learn to live and love the dog they have, for good and bad.

   No one is perfetc.