Crazy dog door idea?

Paul T · 03-20-2006, 07:45 AM

OK, so I'm moving into a new house soon and I'm thinking about installing some type of dog door for our Saint Bernard (160lbs). Problem is, I don't want a standard "flap" type dog door. The door will be on the side of the garage (there is no back yard - steep slope) and while I could just install a standard entrance door, for some reason I don't want to. Actually the reason is I don't need it and it would not look right (there are 2 windows and I would have to either put a door between the windows or convert one window to a door).

So, here is my idea: I want to cut out the opening that I need (roughly the size of a half door) between the studs (inside is unfinished to make it easier). Then, make a custom door to fit the opening, using the existing wood siding on the exterior of the door so that when the door is closed, you can't hardly tell it's there. I'd use hidden hinges and no exterior handle. Thoughts?Do you think this is doable or insane? More trouble than it's worth?

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Sounds like a good idea to me. Dog doors are the greatest invention in the world, net to the automatic cat box. They also make doors that slide up electrically, that are actuated by a collar thet the dog wears...

singpilot · 03-20-2006, 07:55 AM

Think that's a great idea. I fly with a guy that also has a large dog, and he was worried about people accessing the house thru the large dog door. He found a latching door that can be opened only when the RF radio dog collar is within a foot of the door. Was a neat idea we all thought.

Someone had already distracted the dog once with several steaks and gotten in the house, cleaning out all the usual. After the collar was installed they came back several weeks later and got in again, getting all the replacement stuff.

Darted the dog, and took his collar to the hatch.

I told him he needed to get a meaner, less hungry dog.

Paul T · 03-20-2006, 07:58 AM

Wow, so it has happened. That was a big concern of mine with those collar actuated electronic doors, that someone could get hold of the collar and use it to gain entrance. We've had break-ins on the street so I'm looking for something a little more secure.

id10t · 03-20-2006, 08:09 AM

Use a double door system, a camera, and a computer to control it. Like this guy did. He was tired of the kitty bringing home "presents"

http://www.g4tv.com/techtvvault/features/37142/High_Tech_Cat_Door.html

Pat S · 03-20-2006, 01:41 PM

I have used this "Plexidoor" from petdoors.com for many years and it has held up fantastic. But it is not cheap and the XL may be too small for your dog

http://www.petdoors.com/plexidor_wall_unit.htm

At our last house I build this dog house, on the outside was a cheap flap door, then on the inside was the plexidoor into our laundry room.
By far the best solution yet. It was never drafty and the extra room helped keep dirt outside.

Pat

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

pat,
now that's truly a 'dog lover'.

ryan

Paul T · 03-21-2006, 03:09 AM

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll let you know what I eventually do - we don't move in for a few weeks. I may in the end just install a standard door, the security issue has me worried a bit, considering the size dog door I need for the big guy!

RickM · RickM's Garage

Security is what has kept me from installing one as well.
How about a scanner that will read an implanted RFID chip/capsule? Some dogs alread have them.

Paul T · 03-21-2006, 07:31 AM

That's an interesting idea - but my dog, although big, is also a big baby. He'll bark like he wants to kill someone, but then once they get close, he'll roll over for a belly-rub! It wouldn't be hard at all to lure him close to the door so it'll open and provide access - and I'm sure he would just happily follow the intruders inside...I think I'll go with a regualar door, he just wont be able to let himself in and out, which wasn't my primary goal anyway.

Pat S - that's a nice setup you have there!