Why do people use dog doors?
Our dogs are indeed part of the family. While there is, of course, a distinction between them and us, they are awarded many of the same liberties that young children earn as they grow up. These include going for a walk off the lead when they are responsible enough to be trusted, and being able to go outside to a confined and personal outdoor area as and when they please. Obviously this gives the dog some degree of independence by being able to express his wishes to some extent at least, but why are dog doors used in this instance? What benefits can they offer you and your dog?
Installing a dog door might be an inconvenience for you, and will indeed involve destroying, or at least altering the door you already have in place. This can potentially have a negative effect on the aesthetic appeal of the overall look of the room or the house, but perhaps is still worth it. Moreover there are many people who point out the negative repercussions of installing dog doors in terms of the safety and security of your home. It is dangerously easy to leave the dog doors open not only during the night but when you are out of the house. Indeed, many people take the active decision of doing this consciously, so that the dog can go outside to go to the toilet and entertain himself whenever he likes. But if the wrong people realize this, it could mean that your house is under threat from burglars, which is a far greater problem than letting the dog out! Aside from the people it could let in, an open dog door can also be used by other animals. If you live in an area with lots of wild animals around, such as cats or foxes, it is incredibly easy for them to get inside your house. Obviously this has the potential for them to wreck things, attack food in the kitchen and even have a fight with your dog, or family. Admittedly this is taking the worst case scenario into account, but the fact is that it could easily happen.
On the other hand, however, the advantages that the use of dog doors gives you, apart from the above mentioned obvious one regarding the dog being able to access the outdoors whenever he needs to, are still numerous. The doors will keep your dog content, meaning that he is generally a happier and more positive member of the family than he may be otherwise. Indeed for house training purposes as well as general obedience training, having an outdoor area readily accessible like this is incredibly helpful. Furthermore it does mean that the use of dog doors does decrease the need for you to have to walk the dog for a long time several times a day. This saves you hassle and still ensures that your dog is getting the exercise he needs.
Essentially to establish whether or not the use of dog doors is right for you or not, you need to take your own particular circumstances into account. Consider the location of your house and the potential threats this might bring, but also uphold the needs of your dog and your family before you come to a final conclusion.
