There are various types of locking dog doors such as magnetic, automatic, and electronic. A locking dog door that is installed in an existing door would not require any extra locking devices. The lock on the door would be a source of security in itself. The dog is not going to care if the door is locked or unlocked. The dog just wants to be able to go in and out when the notion is there. The dog door gives that freedom to pet and also secures the house from potential intruders.

Good locking dog doors will provide an outlet to the outside world and be a strong defense against other animals trying to get into the home, of course, the dog will also be prevention. Your pet will be a lot happier and less likely to be destructive if they can go outside when they become bored or just need to do their thing. Working all day and then having to come home and clean up a mess is not the finish you want to have at the end of your work day.

I guess if you summed it all up, a good locking dog door would be convenient for the pet and less taxing on the pet owner. It would provide a necessity for the animal that is left home all day or night and provide the pet owner with a sense of security knowing their doors are locked in their absence. It is also a way for the dog to get some exercise when left home alone and less likely to be destructive due to boredom.

Next you will need to pick out the proper size dog door for your pet. The package that the dog door is in will help you determine the correct size for your pet’s size and the correct location on the door it should be installed.

If no instructions then follow this, you will want the dog door to be a least 1″ wider than your pet and 1″ taller than your pet, but no more than 2″ in either direction. When measuring your pet you will want to measure from the top of the shoulders to the chest of your pet, just behind the front legs. Remember, if your pet is not fully grown you will need to make sure you adjust for future growth.

When you place the dog door on the door think about the size of your dog and where the top should be. The top of the dog door should be high enough to let the shoulders of your pet to fit through without the dog bending down. They should only have to lower their head. If you measure the dog properly, the bottom will be in the correct place.

Now that you have the dog door, here are the tools you will need and what each tool is used for.

Drill – this is needed to drill the four corners of the door where the doggie door is being installed. This way you have a stopping and starting point for your jigsaw.

Drills Bits – drill the four corners and to drill pilot holes for the frame of the doggie door.

Jigsaw – Use this to cut the doggie door out.

Masking Tape – tape off the area that is going to get cut out. Draw you cutting lines on the tape, when you cut it will help reduce splintering.

Measuring Tape – this is needed to measure the placement of the doggie door.

Pencil – use this to mark off the area that is going to be cut out.

Screw Driver – Most frames on the doggie door are held in by Philips head screws.

Note: measure twice cut once, always adhere to this rule, trust me.