View Full Version : Dog door advice, question and install
We are going to get rid of our dog door that sits in the frame of the sliding glass door frame. Just tired of losing the extra space trying to get outside.
im researching the different options for a wall cutout dog door. Dual flap seems to be the way to go as our single flap one will blow open a bit in a strong wind.
i am also open to the option of a glass cutout in the door but haven't looked at those yet and I imagine the cost is a good bit more to get glass cut.
what so you guys recommend?
we currently have about 17" between the framing outside and an outdoor electrical outlet. I think that will be enough as the size we need is only about 10" wide plus whatever the frame is so probably 12" total.
i attached a couple pictures of inside and out to give an idea of what I'm working with. Any other advice is appreciated
muddywings
03-27-2014, 13:10
see: https://www.ar-15.co/threads/111607-Pet-door-for-sliding-glass-door-opinions?highlight=dog+door
..and I had one of those dual flap dog doors up in Anchorage. Worked great but it was through a wall from the garage, not a room within the house. Right now I'm suffering same as you with a sliding glass door insert :(
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Pet-9-75-in-x-17-in-Extra-Large-Ruff-Weather-Plastic-Frame-Door-with-Dual-Flaps-with-Included-Kit-for-in-Wall-Installation-RWWXL/202689940?N=5yc1vZc1i7
anyone have this one? So far it is at the top of my list
Don't do this.
http://thenexttobestblogever.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/jifi.gif
muddywings
03-27-2014, 13:29
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Pet-9-75-in-x-17-in-Extra-Large-Ruff-Weather-Plastic-Frame-Door-with-Dual-Flaps-with-Included-Kit-for-in-Wall-Installation-RWWXL/202689940?N=5yc1vZc1i7
anyone have this one? So far it is at the top of my list
That's what I had in AK. worked great. I had to drop in a bunch of 2x4 inside the wall to make sure the tunnel wouldn't collapse when/if the dog stepped on it. Never had any issues. It does have a nice slide insert that can be locked if you are gone on vacation. The magnets worked well in holding the flaps down so the wind wouldn't blow it open but it's a bit windier here.
Took a bit more coaxing the first time to go through the tunnel since it isn't just a simple door but didn't take more than 5 minutes to learn it was no big deal.
FYI: golden retriever about 70-80lbs
ETA: it was a selling point when I sold the house as the guy who bought it said, 'great...now I can get a dog.' as the wife rolled her eyes!
I would probably do the same thing but as of now, my house layout doesn't lend it self to any place other than the sliding glass door unless I want to put in a large deck.
Oooh oooh oooh! I've done this! If I can do it, anyone can.
Yes, double door is needed. I think mine is a Pet Safe brand, came from Pet Smart. Has good instructions and cutting template, made for wall installation.
First thing you want to do, is make damn sure there isn't a HVAC duct in that wall feeding a room upstairs! I came this >< close to cutting into the space where the duct feeding our guest room is. Easy to figure out with a tape measure and some head scratchin'.
Otherwise, it's pretty easy. Keep in mind the size of the dog(s), you don't want it too low or too high for them. You may need to build up an entry platform of some kind outside too.
Once the holes are cut in the wall, you should reinforce the sides of the hole by adding pieces of 2x4 inside the wall, very easy with a few screws. Gives support for the door halves to squeeze against, and wood for the screws to bite into.
Have some caulking handy to caulk up any holes/gaps, and you're done! Maybe a little touchup here/there, but it's an easy job. You'll spend more time fretting over it than actually doing it. Just make sure the area between the studs is clear first. That elec. outlet can be moved if need be, that ain't hard either.
Our two Beagles love their door, they use it dozens of times a day. Just make sure it's big enough, but not TOO big. Don't want any skinny burglars crawling in.
Thanks for the link muddy wings, totally spaced doing a search! Looks like a few guys here got the same thing I am looking at and are happy with it.
only question is my siding on the outside. Is there foam or insulated material or rubber to seal the gaps or is that something I'll need to figure out?
Thanks rondog, great advice. So far I think I am good as far as hvac and electrical go as long as they didn't run the wires sideways roars the door I should be good to go on that end. Spacing looks good as far as I can tell. The big dog is okay for height but the little dog will probably need me to build a ramp or step on the outside to make it easier for her to hop through.
muddywings
03-27-2014, 13:35
Thanks for the link muddy wings, totally spaced doing a search! Looks like a few guys here got the same thing I am looking at and are happy with it.
only question is my siding on the outside. Is there foam or insulated material or rubber to seal the gaps or is that something I'll need to figure out?
Yeah, I just used clear silicon caulk if I recall. Couldn't tell. This was on a standard maconite clapboard siding if I recall (about 11-12 years ago)
Mine didn't come with any gasket for the siding, but that's a simple fix. Use foam tape if you want, I just pumped in silicone from a caulking gun.
Mick-Boy
03-27-2014, 13:49
I did this at my mother-in-law's house. I used the same process Muddywings and rondog are describing.
Double check that there is nothing inside the wall that I don't want to cut then cut an opening of appropriate size.
Frame in the opening so the door is sitting on something solid.
Install the door.
Clear silicon caulk to seal the outside edge.
It took about an hour. Piece of cake.
Awesome, thanks guys. Ordering now
Cut the inside wall first, so if there IS something in the way, you only have an interior hole to patch.
I have a in wall, double flap with magnets on the bottoms to keep the flaps shut. Carpeted in the tunnel. Best thing ever once the doggies where house broken. Bought from a local company that made it.
colorider
03-27-2014, 15:13
Just a few things. 1st, which is not important now is that you can't cut the glass on a sliding glass door. It's tempered and can't be cut. But again, not important now.
The dual flapper doors work great. HOWEVER, I have the petsafe brand and my neighbor has the Hope Depot one. On both, after a year the flaps get warped and distorted and need to be replaced. if not, you don't get a goot seal. They are expensive to replace. Or at least to me they are expensive. I think it was around $60 for the Petsafe ones. Seemed really high for stupid flaps. looking at amazon now and they are about $40 each for the petsafe ones. That's a total ripoff.
Just a few things. 1st, which is not important now is that you can't cut the glass on a sliding glass door. It's tempered and can't be cut. But again, not important now.
The dual flapper doors work great. HOWEVER, I have the petsafe brand and my neighbor has the Hope Depot one. On both, after a year the flaps get warped and distorted and need to be replaced. if not, you don't get a goot seal. They are expensive to replace. Or at least to me they are expensive. I think it was around $60 for the Petsafe ones. Seemed really high for stupid flaps. looking at amazon now and they are about $40 each for the petsafe ones. That's a total ripoff.
I read that on the reviews as well. My redneck side will at that point make my own using templates from the old ones and reusing the magnets
hghclsswhitetrsh
03-27-2014, 15:49
Here's some advice. Get a real dog. One big enough you wouldn't consider making a dog door for. [gohome]
Here's some advice. Get a real dog. One big enough you wouldn't consider making a dog door for. [gohome]
Ouch, you hurt his feelings! The little dog just growled at you which meant "bring it"!
hghclsswhitetrsh
03-27-2014, 16:00
Damn that's quite a haul of pheasants!
You should make the template now, before the door is installed and the flap is warped.
newracer
03-27-2014, 21:08
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Pet-9-75-in-x-17-in-Extra-Large-Ruff-Weather-Plastic-Frame-Door-with-Dual-Flaps-with-Included-Kit-for-in-Wall-Installation-RWWXL/202689940?N=5yc1vZc1i7
anyone have this one? So far it is at the top of my list
I put two of these in my new house. One from the house into the garage and one from the garage in to the backyard. Very easy install and they work great. Strong wind will blow them open. Also I followed the height recommendations in the instructions and it probably should have been slightly higher. My dog would crouch going out the door sometimes.
I have thought about getting one but... Too many foxes that aren't afraid of my pit... Too many stray cats that aren't afraid of my pit... Anyone crawling through the door would get licked... Possibly cuddled. I'm going to make them work for that shit.
Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.
hghclsswhitetrsh
03-27-2014, 21:49
I have thought about getting one but... Too many foxes that aren't afraid of my pit... Too many stray cats that aren't afraid of my pit... Anyone crawling through the door would get licked... Possibly cuddled. I'm going to make them work for that shit.
Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.
What at you talking bout Willis? That pit is mean, it tried to run off with my work glove!
JM was afraid of him once... And he was only like 35#
Fear this!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/03/28/yjyhyret.jpg
Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.
Cut the inside wall first, so if there IS something in the way, you only have an interior hole to patch.
Good advice!
Cut the inside wall first, so if there IS something in the way, you only have an interior hole to patch.
Great advice, thank you. I'll probably drill a few small holes in the area and shine a light in there just to make sure it is clear and not have a big hole to patch
It looks like you've got a pretty good idea what you're doing here. My initial concern was a wire (from that outlet), or a stud. More than likely, the wire runs the other way and the outlet is attached to the stud. Interested to see how it turns out.
Great-Kazoo
03-28-2014, 01:59
Make sure the silicone you buy is the Paintable stuff. Also before sealing use some of the stuff that goes between a window and the exterior wall. I can't link from my fire,or I would.
Make sure the silicone you buy is the Paintable stuff. Also before sealing use some of the stuff that goes between a window and the exterior wall. I can't link from my fire,or I would.
I think you are talking about backing rod and yes stuff the gap full of it or the chalking will fail. Also you can get a device that will trace wires in a wall.
Great-Kazoo
03-28-2014, 07:37
here ya go.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Nashua-Tape-Select-Flash-6-in-x-25-yds-Rubber-Flashing-Tape-631001/100507542
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Grace-Vycor-Plus-4-in-x-75ft-Roll-Fully-Adhered-Flashing-5003100/203057402
hollohas
03-28-2014, 07:59
I have an in glass Hale pet door. It goes right in your existing sliding glass door. Guy comes out, measures your door. A few days later he comes back with a new piece of glass (dual-pane, low-e, all that jazz) with the dual-flap pet door installed, takes your existing glass out and puts the new in. You keep the old glass if you want. You can fully open the glass door and it closes, locks and seals as good as the original door because it is the original door frame. Plus you don't have to put a hole in your wall. If you decide to move and the new owners don't have dogs, you can put the old glass back in. I love it.
The only issue is even when I open the door my dog tries to beat me out through the doggie door...that's a moving target.
Install took the guy about 20 mins.
https://www.halepetdoor.com/system/dealers/gallery/8/original/IG_pet_door.jpg?1311968479
newracer
03-28-2014, 08:24
You are probably going to need to build a little deck on that landing to make it the same elevation as the inside. Otherwise it will be difficult for the dogs to go out. At least that is what I had to do.
drift_g35
03-28-2014, 08:40
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Pet-9-75-in-x-17-in-Extra-Large-Ruff-Weather-Plastic-Frame-Door-with-Dual-Flaps-with-Included-Kit-for-in-Wall-Installation-RWWXL/202689940?N=5yc1vZc1i7
anyone have this one? So far it is at the top of my list
I have this one, I have the "Super Large". Was kind of scary putting a giant hole in the house but once it fit all together it looks great. No issues at all and you cant feel a draft or anything.
muddywings
03-28-2014, 09:03
I have an in glass Hale pet door. It goes right in your existing sliding glass door. Guy comes out, measures your door. A few days later he comes back with a new piece of glass (dual-pane, low-e, all that jazz) with the dual-flap pet door installed, takes your existing glass out and puts the new in. You keep the old glass if you want. You can fully open the glass door and it closes, locks and seals as good as the original door because it is the original door frame. Plus you don't have to put a hole in your wall. If you decide to move and the new owners don't have dogs, you can put the old glass back in. I love it.
The only issue is even when I open the door my dog tries to beat me out through the doggie door...that's a moving target.
Install took the guy about 20 mins.
https://www.halepetdoor.com/system/dealers/gallery/8/original/IG_pet_door.jpg?1311968479
Cost? Details? I still need to do this :(
hollohas
03-28-2014, 09:50
Cost? Details? I still need to do this :(
Not cheap.
I used Pet Door Pro (http://www.pet-door-pro.com/)
Services was very fast, very professional and great quality.
Cost was $1,025 for the new glass with large, dual-flap doggie door and install, including both visits to the house. Low-E adds $125. Those prices are before the 10% discount they give for rescued pets. They require a $300 deposit due when they take the measurements.
New glass is even better than what I had in there before. Doggie door portion is sealed tight and very solid as well. My dog doesn't fly through like some dogs but she doesn't take it easy either and the doggie door has not budged. I had a dog many years ago that would come through a doggie door installed in a wood door like a bolt of lightning. When he wasn't careful he'd take the whole thing out of the door with it stuck around his midsection like a belt. You would have to have a seriously reckless dog to do the same thing to the in-glass door if it is even possible. I'll post some more detailed pictures of my particular install tonight.
I can't add much for installation. My neighbor has the one from home depot you linked. It works good. We have a cheaper model.
One problem is to make sure your pet doesn't bring presents into the house, or that other vermin use the door for access. Our cat has brought in rabbits, and mice, so now the door is closed so he can be checked before he comes in the house.
muddywings
03-28-2014, 11:37
Not cheap.
I used Pet Door Pro (http://www.pet-door-pro.com/)
Services was very fast, very professional and great quality.
Cost was $1,025 for the new glass with large, dual-flap doggie door and install, including both visits to the house. Low-E adds $125. Those prices are before the 10% discount they give for rescued pets. They require a $300 deposit due when they take the measurements.
New glass is even better than what I had in there before. Doggie door portion is sealed tight and very solid as well. My dog doesn't fly through like some dogs but she doesn't take it easy either and the doggie door has not budged. I had a dog many years ago that would come through a doggie door installed in a wood door like a bolt of lightning. When he wasn't careful he'd take the whole thing out of the door with it stuck around his midsection like a belt. You would have to have a seriously reckless dog to do the same thing to the in-glass door if it is even possible. I'll post some more detailed pictures of my particular install tonight.
thanks...that's the cost i was looking at. taxes bit me so I'll will be down the road.
Alright got it done! Still need more caulking....used a whole damn tube just to make sure and still need a little more.
Total cost was about $160. Had to cut through 1.5 2x4s. Overall, with the right tools (long sawsall blade) it ended up being not too difficult and took me about 2 hours with a few distractions.
hghclsswhitetrsh
03-28-2014, 19:40
How many beers?
How many beers?
Unfortunately none. Didn't realize I drank the last of them last night and didn't pick up any today. Tomorrow will be a different story!
hghclsswhitetrsh
03-28-2014, 20:23
Shame. I'm disappointed in you.
Piss poor planning = piss poor performance.
Pretty much! It's okay, I'll make up for it tomorrow when I finish caulking and touch up painting
hghclsswhitetrsh
03-28-2014, 20:34
Ok. Better get good and whiskey drunk to make up for the mistake.
That is a possibility as well!
Awesome! Gonna have to build a platform for the lil' dog to get in and out, looks like. Did it feel like a leap of faith to start cutting? Sure did for me.
Yeah she will hop through now but the platform will be happening this weekend for sure. Just not sure what to make it from yet. I've thought a wood ramp painted, the large walkway stones built up like steps, or a concrete form.
any other ideas would be great
it was a serious leap. I drilled some holes to try and look for wires and pipes or who knows what (after shutting off power of course), then finally said screw it and started to cut!
newracer
03-28-2014, 22:28
I would have seriously thought about building a header for the top since you had to cut through the 2x4s.
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Next time, use a wall and build a box that holds another set of flaps that keeps the wind from blowing into the house. Were lucky and were able to use our rear sunroom wall. It works as a air lock.
I would have seriously thought about building a header for the top since you had to cut through the 2x4s.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ive vey actually been thinking about this and think I will pull the inside portion off tomorrow and cut a couple pieces of 2x4 and attach them horizontally to the ones I had to cut just to make sure I can get the support. I'm not too worried since there are at least 2 if not 3 together around the door frame and the two together on the other side of the doggy door.
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