Pettech Pet Doors

Pettech Pet Doors

Pet doors were introduced commercially in the US approx. 30 years ago.

The functional benefit of pet doors is that pets can come and go as they please. This has accruing benefits to both pets and their owners.

Benefits to Pet
The pet can use the bathroom at will which is healthier than "storing" for your return
The pet can protect and mark its territory from other pets and critters.
The pets gets curiosity satisfaction for outside sounds and smells
The pet has a wider area to roam which reduces boredom and apathy, provides more exercise, freedom and independence
The pet has unfettered access to the house during inclement weather eg. too hot, too cold, wet etc.

Benefits to Pet owner
The pet door is a time saver. You no longer have to get up, rush home, or interrupt activity to let the pet out or in
The pet door enables the pet to be left alone for longer periods of time, and lessens pet sitter needs.
The pet door enables protection against trespassers (both critters and human).
The reduction in boredom results in less accidents, or damage and soiling in the home.
The noise factor is reduced, especially for dogs which can go outside to bark or investigate the cause of bark.

Types of pet doors
There are several different types of doors that are distinguishable by their operating mechanism, and their installation location.

Pet door mechanism types

Manual pet doors
These doors function through the pet exerting force on the aperture barrier. These are pet flaps or conventional pet doors . They can be flexible for example rubber, or rigid (plexiglass/plastic).

“Hybrid” pet doors
These doors are a hybrid of fully automated and manual pet doors .They function on a signal emitted from a collar the pet is wearing, called the “key” . They can be electromagnetic, electronic, infra red signals. The signal unlocks the door and then permits the pet to enter by pushing on the aperture.

Power Pet doors
These are fully automated pet doors that function with a key and have a motor that raises and lowers the door to allow passage of the pet.

Pet door location types.

Indoor pet doors
These are normally flaps and are predominantly used for cats. They can be installed on interior doors or walls and gives the cat access to self contained areas such as closets or basements or garages

Window Pet doors
These are as the name implies, pet doors in windows. They can be either vertical or horizontally sliding doors. These doors, are also for cats. They fit into already existing window frames and as such are temporary and suited to rented dwellings.

Sliding Glass and patio pet doors and panels.
These doors come prefabricated like the window pet doors and fit into the sliding door track. They are also temporary.

Wall Pet doors
These doors are installed through walls and have tunneling to adapt to the width of the walls. These are permanent doors

Conventional Pet Doors
These are doors that are installed in doors and also have tunneling to adapt to door width.

The Pettech Ideal Pet Door

The right pet door choice is determined by three main factors. Pet size, security and control, and fitting.

Pet door sizes

The ideal pet door size should be a little wider than your pet, and a little higher than the shoulder. The pet should be able to comfrotably walk through the door and not leap. Below is a chart for pet door sizes.

Small 5 1/2" X 7 1/2 Small to normal sized cats; very small dogs
Small Medium 6 1/2" X 9 1/2" Large cats - small dogs (10 to 15 pounds)
Medium 8 1/2" X 12 1/2" Dogs 20 to 40 pounds
Tall Medium 8 1/2" X 16" Tall dogs 30 to 40 pounds
Large 11" X 16" Dogs 35 to 60 pounds
Tall Large 11" X 19" Taller dogs 45 to 90 pounds
Tall Large Plus 11" X 23 1/2" Tall, slender dogs up to 100 pounds
Extra Tall Large 11" X 27 1/2" Very tall, slender dogs up to 120 pounds
Extra Large 14" X 19 1/2" Large dogs up to 120 pounds
Extra Large Plus 14" X 23 1/2" Larger dogs up to 180 pounds
Giant 15 1/2" X 27 1/2" Giant dogs up to 180 pounds
Custom Door Any Size Custom made door for any size pet

Pet Door Security

The security of the pet door is the next decision.
This will affect the choice of materials and mechanism of door. For example, security would not be a factor with an indoor pet door, and a manual flap would suffice. For exterior pet doors, choices might include a security barrier made out of tough material, for a manual pet flap. Hybrid and power doors come with keys, that will not permit strays, the neighbors pet, or wildlife like raccoons from using the door. If you have a multi-pet home, keys can also regulate which pets will have access to the door.
Different models also have further options such as a 4 way locking option;- 1)opened, 2) in only, 3) out only, and 4)locked. These options come in handy when you do not wish to permit the pet back in the house, or do not want to let it back out.
Key efficiency and door warranties should also be considered. How long is the keys battery life, and is it water proof? How obtrusive is it and can it be damaged by running through bushes or a hedge?

Pet Door Fitting

This deals with the pet door location. The decision of whether to place the door in a door, window or wall, will affect the type of models available to you. This will also determine the installation required.
Self installation is possible with all models, however glaziers are recommended with doors that are to be installed through glass and are mot prefabricated. If you are not the handy type you can also get a somebody to install the door for you.

In addition to these three major factors, the pet door decision is also a determination of budgets. Pet doors range from $30.00 to $400.00.

Pet Door Training

The same training techniques apply for both cats and dogs.
After installing the door, leave it open for the first day. Call the pet from both sides of the door to show that it is passable and use treats to encourage passage. Install the barrier, and repeat the exercise, this time helping to lift the barrier. Help the pet through the door either by poking or lifting the pet through. With repetition the pet will become used to the door and will start using it. A pettech word of caution, some pet doors make a noise that will require the pet adjusting to.