Care & how-to
How to Install a Dog Door (and Train Your Dog to Use It)
To install a dog door, first choose the type (a flap door, a microchip door or a sliding-door insert), size it for your largest dog, and check your yard is fully escape-proof. Then mark the opening at the right height, cut it carefully, fit the frame and seal it against drafts. Finally, train your dog to use it gradually, starting with the flap propped open and plenty of treats. Never push or scold a dog through it.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Choose the right type of dog door
The AKC describes four main types. Flap doors are the most common and usually least expensive, and some have double flaps or magnetic seals for better insulation. Microchip doors open only for a dog wearing the matching chip or collar key, which keeps strays and wildlife out, but need power or batteries. Sliding door inserts fit into a patio door track with no cutting, which suits renters.
Custom sliding or French doors with a built-in pet door cost more but look neater. Wall-mounted dog doors are another option where cutting a house door is not practical. Whatever you choose, consider locks or timers to secure the door at night and when you travel, which the AKC recommends. Browse our dog doors to compare styles, or dog doors for sliding doors if you rent, and see our dog door buying guide for the differences in more detail.
Size it correctly
Base the size on your largest dog, the AKC advises, because a door that is too small can frighten a dog or trap them. Measure the width of your dog at the widest point, usually the chest or shoulders, and the height from the top of the shoulders to the bottom of the chest. Choose a flap a little wider and taller than those numbers.
Then measure the step-over height, from the floor to the bottom of your dog's chest. The bottom of the opening should be low enough for a small, young or elderly dog to step through comfortably, but high enough to keep the door frame strong. Small dogs need a flap light enough to push easily, as the AKC notes.
Safety checks before you install
A dog door gives your dog access to the yard when you are not watching, so the yard must be ready. The AKC says the door should open only into a securely fenced area or dog run that your dog cannot jump over or dig under, with non-toxic plants, any pool or pond fenced off, fresh water and shelter from sun and weather.
Place the door away from door knobs and window latches that someone could reach through, which the AKC flags as a security risk. Think about toddlers, who may follow the dog outside, and wildlife, which can come in. The AKC also suggests dogs stay inside when you are away for long periods.
How to install a dog door in a house door
Step 1: Remove the door from its hinges if you can and lay it flat. Step 2: Tape the manufacturer's template to the door at the measured height and mark the cut lines. Step 3: Drill a starter hole in each corner. Step 4: Cut along the lines with a jigsaw, keeping the blade straight. Step 5: Smooth the edges.
Step 6: Fit the inner and outer frames on either side, trimming screws to the door's thickness, and tighten evenly. Step 7: Seal the edges against drafts with weatherproof sealant if the kit calls for it. Step 8: Rehang the door and test the flap. Metal, glass and fire-rated doors need professional installation, so check before cutting.
How to train your dog to use the dog door
The AKC's step-by-step method: introduce the door and pair it with treats and praise, moving the flap by hand so it seems harmless; reward sniffing or pawing the flap; lock the flap fully open and call your dog through from the other side; then hold it partly open and encourage them through.
Next, lower the flap a little more each session so your dog learns to push it, until they go back and forth on their own. Never push your dog through or scold them for not using it, which the AKC specifically warns against, and do not leave them alone with the door until they use it confidently both ways.
Keep small rewards in a treat pouch so you can reward each trip through the flap straight away.
Who should not have a dog door, and when to ask your vet
The AKC suggests a dog door may not suit puppies still house-training, homes with toddlers, areas with wildlife where small breeds are at risk, frequent barkers, or owners who want to limit mud. It should never replace walks, play and training together. For elderly dogs or dogs with arthritis, ask your vet whether the step-over height is comfortable.
If your dog suddenly avoids a door they used happily, check for a sticking flap or pain when stepping over. If the door has simply worn out, you can compare current dog doors before replacing it.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How high should a dog door be installed?
Low enough that your dog steps through comfortably, usually just below the bottom of the chest, with the top of the flap a little above the shoulders. Size for your largest dog.
Can I put a dog door in a sliding glass door?
Yes, with a sliding door insert that fits into the track without cutting the glass. The AKC notes these are a good option for renters, as long as the doorway stays wide enough for people.
How long does it take to train a dog to use a dog door?
Many dogs learn in a few days of short, treat-filled sessions; nervous dogs take longer. Start with the flap propped open, lower it gradually and never push your dog through.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
