How to Install a Doggy Door

So your wife finally got tired of hearing you moan and groan about having to constantly let the dog in and out. She went to the local home improvement store and selected a doggy door. The only problem is now you have to figure out how to install it. She could have at least paid them to install it. But no, instead she brought it in and laid the box on the counter. With a grin, she looked at you and said, "Here, Honey, I solved your problem and Fido's." Then she hurried out of the room, leaving both you and Fido staring after her with a confused look on your faces. Fido tilts his head as if to say: "Problem, what problem? I don't have a problem. All I have to do is bark and the door opens. No problem."

You, on the other hand, are thinking, "Why didn't I keep my big mouth shut? It's not that much trouble to get up and let Fido in." It's too late now, though. She won't hush until you install the doggy door. Sighing, you pick up the box and look down at Fido. "Hey, buddy, surely we can figure this thing out."

Fido's tail stops wagging. He looks at you for a pained moment, then turns and runs from the room. Oh, well, so much for the "we" part. With a loud groan, you open the box. At least the instructions have pictures included in them.

Have you been putting off installing a door for your best friend simply because you think it's too complicated? Well, honestly, folks, installing a doggy door isn't rocket science. You can do it in a few simple steps. Unfortunately, the first step is the one which most people want to skip. It's called reading the instructions. Always read through the instructions to familiarize yourself with what tools are needed and the basic steps. Even if you have to refer back to the instructions for each step, you will still have a better understanding of what you are attempting to do.

After reading the instructions, okay, looking at the pictures, then gather the tools you will need to complete the job. Basic tools are screwdrivers, a jigsaw, a drill, a drill bit, a tape measure, scissors, and maybe some tape to hold your template in place. Next, determine which door is the best one for Fido to enter and exit the house. Many people choose a back door, however that is strictly up to you. The next step is to figure out exactly where the doggy door should be located on the chosen door. For security reasons, the doggy door should be on the side with the hinges. This could keep a thief from reaching through the doggy door and unlocking the house door. The doggy door should also be placed high enough on the door so that Fido doesn't have to crouch or get down to enter. Dogs aren't big on crawling through small spaces. The dog's back height is the correct height for the door.

The easiest way to install the doggy door is to remove the door from its hinges and place it flat. This way you can perform your measuring, cutting and installing without backbreaking bending and kneeling.

Once you have the door on a solid surface, you will need to draw out the opening. The door should have come with a template for you to use to cut out the correct size. Simply place the template on the door at the correct height and location and trace around it. This is what you will be cutting out to make room for the doggy door. Remember not to place the doggy door too close to the edge of the house door. This could weaken the door.

Drill a pilot hole in one corner of the area in order to start your jigsaw. Then simply cut out the square. The hard part is done.

The door will come with rubber inserts to fit between the two pieces of the door. There are little clips to insert the inserts into. This will help protect Fido from any sharp edges or splinters. These may have to be cut in order to get the correct thickness of the door.

Fit the two pieces of the doggy door together. The flap should be on the inside of the house door. Once the two pieces are fitted together, simply screw them securely. You will probably want to caulk around the door, especially the top.

Congratulations! You're done. Now go find Fido and teach him how to use the door.