Numerous dogs are extremely active and are happy to be allowed to use the garden. For some dog breeds it is even particularly recommended and important to spend a lot of time outdoors. But the owner does not always have the time and patience to play the porter for the four-legged friend and to open the door constantly. There are however possibilities, in order to make dog and owner happy.
The house of the open doors
Most of the time, dogs are happy when they are given the opportunity to choose independently between the house and the garden. However, it is usually up to the owner to open the door, keep it closed or leave it permanently open. On warm days, an open door is not a problem. However, in winter, the owner would like to enjoy a warm home. To make dog and owner equally happy requires a compromise.
The dog and the dog flap
One possibility is the dog flap. This is often confused with the dog door. With the dog flap can be differentiated in different variants.
The simple dog flap has a 2-way closure. It consists of a two-part frame in which a swinging door is integrated. It closes automatically by means of a magnet. The simple dog flap has only 2 options for adjustment. Either it remains open or closed. Therefore, this model variant is suitable for dogs whose owners are often at home.
The increase to the 2-way closure is the dog flap with the 4-way closure. The basis is the same as with the 2-way closure with two additional functions. So here it can be set that the dog can only go out of the house or into the house. This brings advantages with itself. If the dog wants to stay in the garden for a while, but the owner away, the dog flap can be set so that the four-legged friend can only inside and then must also stay in the house.
A further variant of the dog flap is the dog flap with infrared mechanism. It is considered a safe model, because in contrast to the simple dog flap it is possible here only the own dog to get into the house. An infrared transmitter is attached to the collar, which sends a signal to the receiver in the dog flap. It is important to make sure that the transmitter attached to the collar does not disturb the dog while wearing it. The disadvantage is that if the transmitter is lost outdoors, the quadruped can no longer independently enter the house alone.
Likewise, the dog flap with chip is considered a safe and proven method. It works like the dog flap with infrared. However, instead of the infrared transmitter, the chip is the key. This model is suitable for dogs that have already been chipped. To activate the dog flap, it reads the chip. This allows the four-legged friend to get in and out of the house independently at any time.
The dog and the dog door
The dog door is not to be confused with the dog flap. The main difference is that the dog door consists of two opening parts.
The principle of the dog door is simple. A magnetic strip is integrated into the doors. This ensures that the door always closes again instantly, completely automatically. In the space between the flaps are brushes. These ensure that the air can accumulate in it and thus act as thermal insulation. The dog doors consist of two layers. The outer layer is designed to have a protective function against wind and rain.
Here, too, there are several variations. As with the dog flap, the dog door can be opened with the help of a chip or infrared. The basic principle is the same.
Criteria for the dog flap and dog door
When buying a dog flap, it is important to pay attention to a few but basic details. One of the most important criteria is the size. The four-legged friend should fit through without difficulty. In case of doubt, it makes sense to choose a slightly larger flap. Consideration for the breed need not be taken, since there are dog flaps from the small dachshund to the large Great Dane.
When buying a dog flap is also to pay attention to what this should be integrated. They are equally suitable for house walls and doors. For house walls, however, it is important to pay attention to whether it is a load-bearing wall. If it is also a rented property, the landlord must also be informed, since it is a structural change.
If the dog flap is integrated into a door, its material should be considered. There are special productions of flaps which are also suitable for glass doors.
Another important criterion of the dog flap is the insulation. Especially in the cold season, the dog flap makes itself felt as a thermal bridge. It is recommended to pay attention to seals. If it is a dog flap or door made of glass should be double glazing.
FAQ
Why should the dog be able to enter the house independently?
Dogs are always happy to have an open door, so that they can freely decide whether they want to stay in the house or prefer to go outside. While this is not a problem in the summer, it can become a test of endurance in the winter when the dog is literally roaming in and out. With the help of a dog door, he can “come and go” when he wants.
What types of dog doors are there?
The best known variant is probably the dog flap, a flap door as we already know it from the cats. Only bigger. They can be opened, also leaning on the cat flap, with or without magnet. In addition, still, in the style of horse stables, a system with tarpaulin tracks, which also works well, can be used. In this case, however, there must be a second, fixed door to close on the inside. These are operated separately from each other. The fixed door is closed exclusively for locking the door overnight or when the homeowners are absent. With this option, the dog has absolute freedom to go in and out as it pleases throughout the day. Even cats can use this door, so the tarpaulins are very easy to open. In winter, they easily keep out the cold, as they are set in the two-layer system.
Is the magnet system useful for opening the dog flap?
The magnet releases the locking mechanism, so the dog can open the door with its nose. This variant guarantees that no other animals can enter the house through the flap. Certainly, there are also dog doors without magnets. However, with them it is not guaranteed that only this dog will use the door as an entrance. But as with a corresponding cat flap, the dog door without magnet can be set manually. So it is not a problem that only your own dog actually uses the door.
How expensive is a dog flap?
The most basic model is available for just under $50. The average price of a good dog flap with magnet is around $130. If you want to build your own dog flap, you can also do it very cheaply.
Can one dog flaps actually build?
A good do-it-yourselfer can build everything himself. So there are a number of building instructions for good dog flaps.
