Doggy Door

[NM-Alaska]

We just purchased a new house about 3 months ago and are starting to landscape the back yard because it basically has nothing and is just a dirt lot.  We have a small coverd patio that was built with the house, and Alaska is outside during the day while we go to work.  The weather here is pretty mild during the winter, about 50-60 degrees so she was fine being out side then.  Our summers are pretty warm though and since we dont have any landscape (shade trees, grass, shade bushes) we wanted to install a doggy door for her to go in and out while we are at work.  Last summer we had a big back yard with a lot grass and tons of huge shade trees, so she loved it out there and she had a kiddy pool as well.  

I have a few reservations about putting one in.  The first is that we have an alarm with sensors and I dont know if they can dis-arm that portion of the alarm system.  The second is that people we know that have had them come home to find other animals in the home likse stray cats and such.  I think her comfort will out weigh the bad things, but I just thought I would see how you all feel about them?

And also we are going to be getting the insert style because we have a sliding glass door, how do these work for those that have them?  I heard they take up a lot of walk space.  Thanks in advance.
Paul

[MzLiz]

I have an enclosed patio off my back door and the patio door, which leads to the outside, has a doggy door.  I think its great because I can leave my back door opened a bit and the pups let themselves in and out as needed.  Plus I don't get bugs in the house like I did when I left both doors open.  

I don't have the problem with other animals coming in, but if you are worried they have an electronic door that will only open when  transmitter is in its range.  The transmittor is put on the dog's collar.  That way, the door won't open (i.e. the magnets won't release) for other animals but will for your dog.

[snowballsmom]

i was going to mention the ones that open with a "key" on the collar.  i would just make sure the area the dog has access to is secure, especially if you have a jumper.

[jennyb]

We've had dog doors in the past and loved them.  We never had a problem with other animals getting in through them.  Once our backyard is landscaped, the plan to to make the space next to the garage a "dog run" and let our two have regular access to it via a dog door.