Do It Yourself: Burglar-Proof Dog Door

Although you may see your doggy door as an easy way to let your dog in and out, a burglar could see this as a point of entry into your home. You can install your own dog door, but take precautions to ensure it remains as burglar-proof as possible. It is best to buy a dog door kit ahead of time and use the materials in it. Making your own pet door out of household items, such as rubber mats and wood pieces, will not be as secure as using a manufactured kit. Sizing and installation techniques help to keep you and your family safe.

Things You'll Need

Pet door kit
Motion sensor lights
Locking panel

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the size of your pet at the top of his shoulders, which is referred to as the withers. The top of the flap should be only about 1 inch taller than this measurement to allow appropriate clearance. The step-over should be no more than 1/3 of the height of the dog at the withers. If you have a puppy, find out the full-grown size of the dog before buying the door. Base the type of dog door you buy or install on this size.
- 2
  Choose a spot for installation. Install the dog door as far as possible away from your door lock. This prevents burglars from reaching in and unlocking the door.
- 3
  Place the dog door on a storm door, if possible. As long as the door does not have a glass bottom, the dog door can be installed here for use during the daytime hours. At night, close the solid door and lock it to prevent access through the dog door.
- 4
  Set up the dog door. Secure and tighten all bolts to ensure the dog door can̵7;t be easily removed. Attempt to crawl through the dog door after installation to see if this would be a potential access point for criminals.
- 5
  Install motion sensor lights around the dog door. If an unwanted visitor approaches the doggy door, he could be scared off by the sudden flooding of light.
- 6
  Place a panel on the dog door that locks when not in use, and lock it at night