Anybody ever built a _nice_ dog door? The commercially available ones
don't meet the grade. Tips or ideas requested.

Requirements:
Through-the-wall in wood stud construction - not through an existing
door.
Seals the weather out
Opens both ways. The hanging arrangement with the pivots on center of
the sides near the top is okay.
Opening, 26 x 11 inches, to accommodate a large dog. But I want a puppy
to be able to open it.
I'm thinking the material should be wood, but I'm open to aluminum and
glass.
Must look good.

I'm considering a dog house on the outside to function as a foyer, but
for the moment, consider that a separate project.


--
*********************
* Nehmo Sergheyev *
*********************

The best one I have seen operates like a simple passthru. It has heavy
plastic sheeting (like they use in forklift doors) in two layers, separated
by about 4". I think it would work just as well with canvas or other heavy
fabric. Best thing is you can match the size nicely with the dog.

This one had a door on the inside to make it secure when needed. The owner
says the dogs took one or two "hits" in learning not to charge thru without
a nose poke to see if the inside door was shut....

Matthew

"Nehmo Sergheyev" wrote in message
...
Anybody ever built a _nice_ dog door? The commercially available ones
don't meet the grade. Tips or ideas requested.

Requirements:
Through-the-wall in wood stud construction - not through an existing
door.
Seals the weather out
Opens both ways. The hanging arrangement with the pivots on center of
the sides near the top is okay.
Opening, 26 x 11 inches, to accommodate a large dog. But I want a puppy
to be able to open it.
I'm thinking the material should be wood, but I'm open to aluminum and
glass.
Must look good.

I'm considering a dog house on the outside to function as a foyer, but
for the moment, consider that a separate project.


--
*********************
* Nehmo Sergheyev *
*********************

Anybody ever built a _nice_ dog door? The commercially available ones
don't meet the grade. Tips or ideas requested.

Requirements:
Through-the-wall in wood stud construction - not through an existing
door.
Seals the weather out
Opens both ways. The hanging arrangement with the pivots on center of
the sides near the top is okay.
Opening, 26 x 11 inches, to accommodate a large dog. But I want a puppy
to be able to open it.
I'm thinking the material should be wood, but I'm open to aluminum and
glass.
Must look good.
------------
I'd take a hint from magnetic cat doors. The good ones swing both
ways, have a magnet that centers the door flap down, and has felt
weather stripping to keep out bugs and wind. The also have a sliding
switch that enables you to lock the door, or only let it open in one
direction or the other.

Of course the cat doors are plastic, and meant for a cutout in an
existing door, but if you could apply the principles to a nice wooden
dog door meant for through the wall installation, you might have
something highly marketable.

Examples:
http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...=1106519521784
http://www.fancypaws.com/camacatdo.html
http://www.smarthome.com/6195.html

Nehmo Sergheyev wrote:
Anybody ever built a _nice_ dog door? The commercially available ones
don't meet the grade. Tips or ideas requested.

Requirements:
Through-the-wall in wood stud construction - not through an existing
door.
Seals the weather out
Opens both ways. The hanging arrangement with the pivots on center of
the sides near the top is okay.
Opening, 26 x 11 inches, to accommodate a large dog. But I want a puppy
to be able to open it.
I'm thinking the material should be wood, but I'm open to aluminum and
glass.
Must look good.

I'm considering a dog house on the outside to function as a foyer, but
for the moment, consider that a separate project.


http://www.dogdoors.com/cgi/smart.cg...oup&group=best
i have found these to be the best so far. i have been thru several cheap
ones. these have have felt and aluminum

On Sun, 23 Jan 2005 15:51:29 -0600, "Matthew"
wrote:

The best one I have seen operates like a simple passthru. It has heavy
plastic sheeting (like they use in forklift doors) in two layers, separated
by about 4". I think it would work just as well with canvas or other heavy
fabric. Best thing is you can match the size nicely with the dog.

This one had a door on the inside to make it secure when needed. The owner
says the dogs took one or two "hits" in learning not to charge thru without
a nose poke to see if the inside door was shut....

Matthew

Yeah. The fact that you've got a dog will probably be enough to keep
the local cats out. But that doesn't faze the skunks, raccoons and
some other critters. Especially not once they figure out there's dog
food on the other side of the door.

--RC


"Nehmo Sergheyev" wrote in message
...
Anybody ever built a _nice_ dog door? The commercially available ones
don't meet the grade. Tips or ideas requested.

Requirements:
Through-the-wall in wood stud construction - not through an existing
door.
Seals the weather out
Opens both ways. The hanging arrangement with the pivots on center of
the sides near the top is okay.
Opening, 26 x 11 inches, to accommodate a large dog. But I want a puppy
to be able to open it.
I'm thinking the material should be wood, but I'm open to aluminum and
glass.
Must look good.

I'm considering a dog house on the outside to function as a foyer, but
for the moment, consider that a separate project.


--
*********************
* Nehmo Sergheyev *
*********************




"Sometimes history doesn't repeat itself. It just yells
'can't you remember anything I've told you?' and lets
fly with a club.
-- John W. Cambell Jr.

That design isn't just for cats. I have one like that sized (and sold) for
dogs. My cats appreciate the space.

"Abe" wrote in message
...
I'd take a hint from magnetic cat doors. The good ones swing both
ways, have a magnet that centers the door flap down, and has felt
weather stripping to keep out bugs and wind. The also have a sliding
switch that enables you to lock the door, or only let it open in one
direction or the other.

Of course the cat doors are plastic, and meant for a cutout in an
existing door, but if you could apply the principles to a nice wooden
dog door meant for through the wall installation, you might have
something highly marketable.

Examples:

http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...=1106519521784
http://www.fancypaws.com/camacatdo.html
http://www.smarthome.com/6195.html

http://www.dogdoors.com/cgi/smart.cg...oup&group=best
i have found these to be the best so far. i have been thru several cheap
ones. these have have felt and aluminum

I'll second that recommendation. I also have tried other dog doors, and will
not use anything but Plexidor ever again. My Newfoundlands (150 pounds and
not gentle with the door) have been bashing their way in and out dozens of
times every day for years, and this door just keeps swinging. I even
recommended it to my boss. After he got done choking on the price, he
ordered one for his Bull Terrier, and thanked me after his dog had used it
just one day. Definitely big bucks, but they last and last, and really keep
the weather out.
Lewis

On Mon, 24 Jan 2005 01:15:00 GMT, vaguely
proposed a theory
.......and in reply I say!:

remove ns from my header address to reply via email


Yeah. The fact that you've got a dog will probably be enough to keep
the local cats out. But that doesn't faze the skunks, raccoons and
some other critters. Especially not once they figure out there's dog
food on the other side of the door.

Easy. Put an electric latch on there and teach the dog to use the
button! G

Nehmo Sergheyev wrote:
Anybody ever built a _nice_ dog door? The commercially available ones
don't meet the grade. Tips or ideas requested.

Requirements:
Through-the-wall in wood stud construction - not through an existing
door.
Seals the weather out
Opens both ways. The hanging arrangement with the pivots on center of
the sides near the top is okay.
Opening, 26 x 11 inches, to accommodate a large dog. But I want a
puppy to be able to open it.
I'm thinking the material should be wood, but I'm open to aluminum and
glass.
Must look good.

I'm considering a dog house on the outside to function as a foyer, but
for the moment, consider that a separate project.

Sounds big enough for a burglar (assuming you take your dog on vacation with
you!). Don't neglect some method to well-secure the door.

We live in town -- so the local population of critters is pretty much
limited to those on leashes. Maybe it's just because the Airdale Terriorist
is great at border patrol...

Matthew

wrote in message
...
On Sun, 23 Jan 2005 15:51:29 -0600, "Matthew"
wrote:

The best one I have seen operates like a simple passthru. It has heavy
plastic sheeting (like they use in forklift doors) in two layers,
separated
by about 4". I think it would work just as well with canvas or other
heavy
fabric. Best thing is you can match the size nicely with the dog.

This one had a door on the inside to make it secure when needed. The
owner
says the dogs took one or two "hits" in learning not to charge thru
without
a nose poke to see if the inside door was shut....

Matthew

Yeah. The fact that you've got a dog will probably be enough to keep
the local cats out. But that doesn't faze the skunks, raccoons and
some other critters. Especially not once they figure out there's dog
food on the other side of the door.

--RC


"Nehmo Sergheyev" wrote in message
...
Anybody ever built a _nice_ dog door? The commercially available ones
don't meet the grade. Tips or ideas requested.

Requirements:
Through-the-wall in wood stud construction - not through an existing
door.
Seals the weather out
Opens both ways. The hanging arrangement with the pivots on center of
the sides near the top is okay.
Opening, 26 x 11 inches, to accommodate a large dog. But I want a puppy
to be able to open it.
I'm thinking the material should be wood, but I'm open to aluminum and
glass.
Must look good.

I'm considering a dog house on the outside to function as a foyer, but
for the moment, consider that a separate project.


--
*********************
* Nehmo Sergheyev *
*********************




"Sometimes history doesn't repeat itself. It just yells
'can't you remember anything I've told you?' and lets
fly with a club.
-- John W. Cambell Jr.

Mon, Jan 24, 2005, 5:40am (EST-1) (Matthew)
wildly exclaims:
We live in town -- so the local population of critters is pretty much
limited to those on leashes. snip

Apparently you missed the PBS show on urban racoons - which was
filmed in a city, not a town. A few months a deer was killed on a
street that runs along the main street in the town I live near - well
within the town limits. Years back, one of my son's friends hit a deer
on the main highway, also well within the town limits. And, of course,
there's always the roadkill proof, 'possums, skunks, raccoons, all well
within the town limits. And, you're forgetting rats, squirrels, some
type of toad in Florida (and alligators), and no telling what else,
besides kids, burglars, loose dogs, vindictive ex-wives, mothers-in-law,
etc.



JOAT
Charity ain't giving people what you wants to give, it's giving people
what they need to get.
- Albert

Sorry, it doesn't meet all your requirements, but I have had this one
for about 4 years, lab flies throught in and out and it is never failed.

http://gundoghousedoor.com/gun_dog_house_door.htm

built by a guy who runs a kennel as I remember, because he had your same
problem.

Good luck, Mike C.


Nehmo Sergheyev wrote:
Anybody ever built a _nice_ dog door? The commercially available ones
don't meet the grade. Tips or ideas requested.

Requirements:
Through-the-wall in wood stud construction - not through an existing
door.
Seals the weather out
Opens both ways. The hanging arrangement with the pivots on center of
the sides near the top is okay.
Opening, 26 x 11 inches, to accommodate a large dog. But I want a puppy
to be able to open it.
I'm thinking the material should be wood, but I'm open to aluminum and
glass.
Must look good.

I'm considering a dog house on the outside to function as a foyer, but
for the moment, consider that a separate project.

Dumb question, but I'm curious..

What happens with these doors when the dog goes out halfway and then decided
to back up? Wouldn't a solid panel door snag and injure the dog?


"Mike Coonrod" wrote in message
...
Sorry, it doesn't meet all your requirements, but I have had this one
for about 4 years, lab flies throught in and out and it is never failed.

http://gundoghousedoor.com/gun_dog_house_door.htm

built by a guy who runs a kennel as I remember, because he had your same
problem.

Good luck, Mike C.


Nehmo Sergheyev wrote:
Anybody ever built a _nice_ dog door? The commercially available ones
don't meet the grade. Tips or ideas requested.

Requirements:
Through-the-wall in wood stud construction - not through an existing
door.
Seals the weather out
Opens both ways. The hanging arrangement with the pivots on center of
the sides near the top is okay.
Opening, 26 x 11 inches, to accommodate a large dog. But I want a puppy
to be able to open it.
I'm thinking the material should be wood, but I'm open to aluminum and
glass.
Must look good.

I'm considering a dog house on the outside to function as a foyer, but
for the moment, consider that a separate project.

The first thing that comes to mind is the Gary Larson "Far Side" cartoon
that is on the November 2005 calendar that has popped up all over my
office...

"Here Fifi..."

:-)

Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD"
To reply, remove the TRABoD!
Kaplow Klips & Baffle: http://nira-rocketry.org/LeadingEdge/Phantom4000.pdf
www.encompasserve.org/~kaplow_r/ www.nira-rocketry.org www.nar.org

Homeland Security Administration: The Gestapo of the 21st Century

He can always leave the pet alligator at home.

"JerryMouse" wrote in message
...

Sounds big enough for a burglar (assuming you take your dog on vacation
with
you!). Don't neglect some method to well-secure the door.

wrote:

On Sun, 23 Jan 2005 15:51:29 -0600, "Matthew"
wrote:

The best one I have seen operates like a simple passthru. It has heavy
plastic sheeting (like they use in forklift doors) in two layers, separated
by about 4". I think it would work just as well with canvas or other heavy
fabric. Best thing is you can match the size nicely with the dog.

This one had a door on the inside to make it secure when needed. The owner
says the dogs took one or two "hits" in learning not to charge thru without
a nose poke to see if the inside door was shut....

Matthew

Yeah. The fact that you've got a dog will probably be enough to keep
the local cats out. But that doesn't faze the skunks, raccoons and
some other critters. Especially not once they figure out there's dog
food on the other side of the door.

Of course, there are transponder-equipped pet doors (transponder goes on pet's
collar). That only lets in the specific animal. One guy had one of these and
got tired of his cat bringing in mice, so he "rewired it" *grunt grunt* to use
pattern recognition and a digital camera. If the cat has a critter in it's
mouse it will not be let in.

http://www.quantumpicture.com/Flo_Co...lo_control.htm

Shawn

- Noozer -
What happens with these doors when the dog goes out halfway and then
decided
to back up? Wouldn't a solid panel door snag and injure the dog?

- Nehmo –
A valid issue. There are lots of accidents with *humans* using regular
side-hinged doors. The possibility of an accident with a dog using a
top-hinged door shouldn't be discounted. Just like people, dogs get old
and frail. Every dog isn't robust and young, and the one-way
crawl-through design may not be appropriate for an almost-crippled
fifteen-year-old.

Most of the commercial doors have a one-way (work only for dog movement
in one direction) top-hinge design. To make the doors two-way, the doors
have another door within a larger door. In one example, the aluminum
frame hinges in one direction, and the inside-the-frame Plexiglas flap
hinges in the opposite direction.

Most of these commercially available doors also don't accommodate the
entire dog body – they are crawl-through, having the threshold a few
inches above floor level.

If the door threshold were closer to floor level and if the door opening
were high enough to accommodate the height of the dog, say, up the
height of the dog's back, the backing-out snagging [1] could be
minimized.

Nonetheless, even with improvements, the top-hinge door-within-a-door
doesn't seem like the best. I'm considering a double door (two doors
hinged on the sides that meet in the center) with the pivots of the
hinges on the tops and bottoms.

And I prefer tempered glass to Plexiglas if a transparent section is
incorporated. Plexiglas scratches too easily.

[1] I imagine, most dogs, once snagged form trying to back out, would
realize going forward would solve the problem.

--
*********************
* Nehmo Sergheyev *
*********************

- JerryMouse -
Sounds big enough for a burglar (assuming you take your dog on
vacation with
you!). Don't neglect some method to well-secure the door.

- Nehmo –
Most burglars around are black, and they're afraid of dogs. Just seeing
a dog door may be enough to deter them, and crawling through one into
unknown dog-protected territory would take a determined burglar indeed.

But that's one of the advantages of a dog house on the outside of a dog
door. The dogdoor wouldn't be visible from the outside and the extra
step necessary for entry, crawling into the dog house, would make the
burglary more of a challenge.

On this particular planned dogdoor, it would be open all the time.
However, a latch or locking mechanism would be worth having because you
never know. The house's occupants may want to leave someday with all the
dogs, as you said, perhaps on vacation.

--
*********************
* Nehmo Sergheyev *
*********************

In article , Nehmo
Sergheyev wrote:

€ Most burglars around are black, and they're afraid of dogs.

Cite, please.

--
Lyle B. Harwood, President
Phoenix Homes, Inc.
(206) 523-9500 www.phoenixhomesinc.com

Do you know the patent number for that door? Thanks, Sam

Sorry, not a clue.
Lewis


wrote in message
oups.com...
Do you know the patent number for that door? Thanks, Sam

On Tue, 25 Jan 2005 13:03:45 -0600, "Nehmo Sergheyev"
vaguely proposed a theory
.......and in reply I say!:

- Nehmo –
Most burglars around are black, and they're afraid of dogs.

What the ****? Bet you hang out on the rec.pets.dogs ng right?

wrote:

Yeah. The fact that you've got a dog will probably be enough to keep
the local cats out. But that doesn't faze the skunks, raccoons and
some other critters. Especially not once they figure out there's dog
food on the other side of the door.

It would at my house. They'd kill about anything smaller than a bobcat, I
expect. I sure wouldn't want to find out what they'd do with a skunk
though. One of my dogs got skunked, then got in my car, eight years ago,
and it still smells like skunk.

--
Michael McIntyre ---- Silvan
Linux fanatic, and certified Geek; registered Linux user #243621
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/5407/
http://rosegarden.sourceforge.net/tutorial/

On Wed, 26 Jan 2005 00:11:19 -0500, Silvan
wrote:

wrote:

Yeah. The fact that you've got a dog will probably be enough to keep
the local cats out. But that doesn't faze the skunks, raccoons and
some other critters. Especially not once they figure out there's dog
food on the other side of the door.

It would at my house. They'd kill about anything smaller than a bobcat, I
expect. I sure wouldn't want to find out what they'd do with a skunk
though. One of my dogs got skunked, then got in my car, eight years ago,
and it still smells like skunk.

Raccoons are plenty tough, but with a skunk in the fight, it doesn't
matter who wins -- you lose.

--RC

"Sometimes history doesn't repeat itself. It just yells
'can't you remember anything I've told you?' and lets
fly with a club.
-- John W. Cambell Jr.

Tue, Jan 25, 2005, 1:03pm (EST-1)
(Nehmo=A0Sergheyev) irrationally mumbled:
Most burglars around are black, and they're afraid of dogs. snip

ROTFLMAO Sure, in an all black neighborhood. And, afraid of dogs?
That would pretty much depend on the individual, and the dog, wouldn't
it? You really ought to think a bit before you say things like that.

That's the reason I keep coming back here, every once in awhile
some real entertainment pops up.



JOAT
Some is good, more is better, too much is just enough.
- Unknown