Pet Doors

Electronic Pet Doors: Like Giving Your Dog Its Own Key

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

There’s one thing that works against traditional dog doors: if an animal is chasing or following our dog, it can do so even inside our house. With the development of electronic dog doors, our pets can come safely into the house where they’ll be safe from other animals or mean children. Before you resort to the purchase of electronic dog doors, it is imperative that you understand the types of electronic pet doors available for that would help you in making the right and the most apt choice for your pet on the fly.

Kinds of Electronic Dog Doors

There are two basic types of electronic pet doors: the one that is activated by motion sensors and the one that is activated by electromagnetic sensors. The first type can actually tell the difference between a dog and a human from the type of motions they make, while the second one can detect the electromagnetic signals of a collar that your dog has to wear.

When compared, the ones that work with electromagnetic fields are better, since they give you 100% guarantee that no one but your dog will be able to come into your house.

Benefits

Unlike conventional dog doors, the electronic dog doors are light, easy to use and install. They are tamper proof and offer maximum security by keeping intruders and stray pets at bay. Some models even let you customize times and modes of access.

Selecting the Best Electronic Dog Door

Always ask about different models in several stores or online before making a purchase since you might find one that has a feature that will be extremely useful and practical in your case. The height of the dog, the ease of handling, the customizability with respect to entry and exit and the activation methodology are a few major factors that need intent consideration before placing the order.

The main advantage of electronic dog doors over regular ones is that they keep other animals out of the house. They are also a good choice in areas where there’s a lot of rain or snow, since they will keep those outside too. Always consider the size of your dog when looking at electronic pet doors.

Understanding How an Electronic Dog Door Benefits You

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

A electronic dog door can be powered by batteries or by plugging it to a regular home electrical outlet. This type of door uses high technology in oder to make life easier for the dog and its owner. The door has detectors that can sense the presence of a special collar that your pet has to wear, and will open only when this collar approaches. With this system, no other animal will be able to get into your house. An electronic pet door costs more than other types of pet doors, but they are worth the price.

Unlike regular pet doors, automatic pet doors will let your dog come in and go out whenever it wants, but unlike regular pet doors, they will not only keep other animals out, but also water from rain and dust from the street. Traditional pet doors can be entered anytime but electronic doors close right after the pet has passed through it and stay closed until the pet returns.

How These Doors Work

There are various kinds of doors but they generally function in the same way. The door has some sensors which make the door open when they detect a magnetic (sometimes infrared) signal emitted by a collar that your dog has to wear at all times.

The door will automatically open after the dog passes through and it will lock until the dog returns to pass through again. There are also styles that allow the owner to use a remote control device which allow the owner to control when the door is opened or closed.

It is interesting to know that a electronic pet door’s sensors can tell the difference in size between a dog and a person, and thus won’t open to burglars.

Cost

Since the level of technology used plays a great role in the price aside from the material and size of the dog door, models can go from $40 to $700 in price.

Other features include battery back up and different locking options.

The electronic dog door is powered by normal electrical current or by batteries. It locks after the dog comes in, keeping animals and rain outside. Depending on your specificelectronic pet door model, you may get different features.

The Doggie Door: Your Second Best Friend

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

For people who have a dog, installing a doggie door that leads to the backyard is one of the most practical things they can do for themselves and their pets. Some people think they can’t install them on a glass door, but today there are models that can do exactly that. There are two types of doors that can be put into a sliding glass door which do not decrease the security in these doors and allows their pets the access that they need to the yard.

Types of Doors

There are two types of doggie doors that can be installed on glass doors: the panel door and the door in a door type. The first type is a door that is the width of the sliding glass door which reduces the amount of space that the people have to go in and out of the door but allows the dog to pass in and out of the yard at will.

The second type requires a hole to be cut in the glass door in order to install the doggie door.

In addition to these types, there are other types of doggie doors that can be installed in conventional doors; for example, the automatic slider doggie door. These automatic doors are recommended for large breeds, since they open completely and leave much more space for the dog to go through. The most common kind of door that is installed into a wooden door is the flap type, which requires that a hole be cut in the door that the flap door can be inserted into for the dog to go in and out of.

Of course, there are always new types of doggie doors coming out these days, such as the sash doors, the window mounts and the door mounts. WIth so many types of doors available, any customer can find the most appropriate doggy door for his or her pet, no matter the size, age, and characteristics of the dog.

Installing a doggie door is very easy and practical. They can even be installed in glass doors. You can pretty much install a doggy door in any kind of door.

The Conveniences of Installing Dog Doors

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Dog doors are noteworthy solutions for pet owners who have become frustrated with assisting their dogs with their entry and exit through the doors. This way, dog owners can continue working, sleeping, cooking, talking on the phone, or whatever activity they were doing, while at the same time they give their pets more freedom of movement.

Different Sorts of Dog Doors

dog doors come in several materials, including wood, plastic, metal, and glass; you can even get electronic dog doors if you want.

Plastic doors can be transparent so your dog can see what’s outside or inside and avoid bumping into people. However, that also means that people who are willing to crouch or lie down will see inside your house. Metal doors are often heavy and long lasting but are associated with loud movements that might be disturbing to all at home.

Glass doors have sliding covers and are usually transparent. The latest and most modern type of dog doors is the electronic dog door. The door is kept closed with magnets, which release the door when the collar of the dog is close.

Tips on How to Get the Most Appropriate Dog Door

Take your priorities into consideration first. Some people don’t like transparent dogs because they don’t want outsiders to see into their houses, while others believe that the extra sunlight is a welcome addition. Measure the size of your dog and try to purchase dog doors of suitable size for that would make it compact and impressive. Puppies tend to grow much faster than children, so, if you have a puppy, measure a full grown dog of the same breed instead.

Dogs can easily be trained to use the dog door. After a couple of tries, the dog’s natural instincts and needs will take care of the rest. If possible, always hire a professional to install the dog door for you.

For some people, dog doors means no interruptions when cooking, sleeping, or watching TV. They allow your dog to go to the yard by itself. When comparing dog doors, consider your dog’s size above all.

The Advantages of Getting a Dog Door Installed

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Dog owners know that it’s better for their pets to be independent since they won’t always have time for them. For example, it can be very annoying to have to wake up at 5 AM because your dog needs to go out. When you install a dog door, you can continue sleeping, or working, or doing whatever you are doing without interrupting it because Fido needs to go outside urgently.

Here are some important things to consider when thinking about installing a dog door or a dog flap in your home for your dog

Safety Measures

When you install a dog door, there are some safety issues you have to think about. If you have a small dog, you will not have to worry as much about the safety of this little door for your pup. However, large breeds will need corresponding large dog doors so that they can come in comfortably. With a big dog door, the chances of somebody trying to get inside your house through it increase. There are even some thieves that will try to reach for the door lock through the small dog doors.

Make sure to talk to a qualified individual about these possibilities when installing a dog door in your home. Local pet supply stores will usually give you enough information to make a decision.

Considering your Dog

The most important thing is to make sure that your dog can go through the door. If the dog can’t use it, there’s simply no point in getting that door in specific; that includes not only the size of the door, but also the dog being able to open it. This last part is sometimes overlooked and then owners have to replace the door at a bigger expense.

Getting a dog door is very convenient. No more getting up at night to let your dog out urgently. When buying a dog door always see that your dog can fit through it and open it before purchasing it.

Cat Doors: Happy Cats and Happy Owners

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

If you have one or more pet cats, then you might want to install one or two or even more cat flaps for both your and your pets’ convenience. Cat flaps are popular because they let you continue doing what you were doing without having to interrupt it just because your cat wants to go out again.

You may need to consider having them fitted by a professional builder or workman, depending on what your door is made of, as it is important to get a good fit, to ensure that the cat door remains water tight, and is fitted in the correct place

Careful with Burglars

When fitting cat flaps it is also important to think about the security of your house, and by careful positioning of the cat flap you will ensure that you do not compromise the security in anyway. That why a lot of people prefer to place cat doors in the lowest part of their doors, which also lets the car get in the house by walking through it, instead of having to jump or climb.

Although of course, nobody expects a burglar to shrink to the size of a cat and use the door to get in, if cat doors were a bit higher, they could try to use them to reach in and go for the handle.

Not Your Cat

By having cat doors in your house you are potentially allowing all the cats in the neighbourhood to come in to your home, which may not be something you are happy with. A simple way to get around this problem is to have a cat flap with a locking system, which identifies the cat by a small tag, added to his collar.

These cat doors normally are locked with the use of a magnet, in such a way that any other cat will not be able to open the door, even if it pushes it, as the magnets will hold it in place.

cat flaps will let your cat come in and out as it pleases without your help. If installed properly, they won’t represent a safety risk. There are even some cat doors that will only open for your cat.

Cat Door Basics

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Families with cats often install a cat door for their beloved pets. Some people call these cat flaps. The idea of a cat door is to let a car come in and out without the owner opening the door. These pet openings have come along way since they were initially tried and tested. Their frames are usually made out of plastic or wood. The doors themselves are built to last the comings and goings of the cat. These are important points when buying or considering different cat doors.

Size and Frame

Always take the breed and size of your cat in consideration when buying a cat flap. Some breeds, like the American maine coon cat, are too big for some doors, while small breeds might not be able to push open some doors due to lack of strength. Regardless of the door, the frame should be easily installed, yet resistant enough to last during different types of weather.

The door can be made of other materials, including glass. Obviously, the size and material of the door should be comfortable to the cat’s size and strength.

Electronic Or Magnetic

These cat doors work in coordination with the cat. Some doors can sense the presence of the cat through a “key” attached to its collar. This gives the advantage of allowing only the cat that’s wearing the collar to go inside the house. This is very beneficial if the cat’s being chased by dogs or by other cats. However, if the collar breaks down, the cat is stuck outside (or inside) until the owner opens the door for it. Other doors open when a sensor senses the presence of a cat. There are limitations to the size of the animal that the sensor may detect.

cat door is a very practical idea. This will let the cat come and go by itself. You can even get a cat flap that will open only for your cat.

Hot to Select a Good Automatic Pet Door

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

Families that take vacations after a long time have often the dilemma of taking their pets with them (and consequently the obligations that this entitles), or leaving them in some sort of pet hotel. Instead they could look into getting an automatic pet door for their pet that would allow the animal to come in and out as they pleased.

Where to Look for an Automatic Pet Door

Most people that get an automatic pet door get it for their dogs. Dogs need to go in and out of a house constatly due to their nature. It is not unusual at all to see an automatit dog door in houses in neighborhoods where crime is low.

The automatic pet door comes with a collar that will open the door for the dog so it came come in or go out as needed. The collar is preprogrammed by the retailer or manufacturer and is usually offered along with the automatic pet door at a discount. A cat can also use the automatic pet door if the cat is considered an outside cat. This is specially useful for cats that spend more time outside that inside.

In addition to normal use, if a burglar gets past the dog and breaks into inside the house, the system will allow the dog to follow him into the house.

Installing a automatic dog door is very easy; all you need to do is mount it or get it mounted on a door that faces the outside. This can be a garage door, patio door, or just the back door of any home. It’s always a good idea to compare prices in stores and online before getting your automatic pet door, as you will be able to get a better deal that way.

An automatic pet door is a very practical thing. It will save you from opening and closing the door for your pet hundreds of times. In addition, an automatic dog door lets your dog chase a thief both inside and outside your house.