Electronic Doggie Doors

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Hi everyone! Great news! I have a new job! After 25 years with my company I took early retirement at 56 years of age, only because now I have Hattie and can't expect her to travel with me for four months out of the year. She would have had to ride along all day on the road as I went with reps on sales calls, because I certainly wouldn't leave her in the motel. When I got Hattie I had taken a promotion with the promise of no more travel. HAH to that idea!

Anyway, my new job is a newly created position we are molding for the company as we go, at a local wireless cell phone company. They have 13 locations with some as far away as three hours from home. My new job is sales trainer for the 60 odd sales reps. So I will be on the road a few days a week but always home by evening.

I have been looking at electronic doggie doors for Hattie since she can't go with me. Believe me I even tried in my interview to convince them she is a therapy dog and would be a good idea for sales meetings since she would make everyone feel relaxed. They didn't bite. Well, I tried anyway!

So does anyone have one of those $350 versions of the electronic door that works off a chip on the collar? Here is a link for the door...

http://www.amazon.com/High-Tech-Pet-Electronic-PX-2/dp/B003SLTETG

What are the pros and cons of one of these doors? My yard is fenced and the gate is locked. Hattie could go in and out from the tiled kitchen floor and there is a dog gate to stop her from going onto the carpet if she got muddy for some reason-(like if she decided to dig to china). The door is very safe with a deadbolt after it closes.

What do ya'll think???

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Wow Sandy. This is great news and I have  no idea about the gate.

A few  years ago, I think it was F., who had a long discussion about the electronic gate controlled by a collar on the dog.   If I remember correctly, it was a really good discussion.

I hope someone can find that link for you.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I never remember what discussions I may have started. At any rate I don't have one of those doors, of that I am certain : )

[F, Calla & Luca]

Congratulations on the job. That's great. I always read the negative reviews on Amazon to see if they are minor complaints, picky people or real problems. After reading a number of them on this product I see real problems. What if for one reson or another the door would not allow Hattie back in? And would your locked gate really keep someone malicious out.?I have a doggie door with a magnetic flap the dogs just push and it has held up well. That said I would never feel comfortable letting my dogs out when I'm not home. But I am lucky that I work very part time now. I would think a dog walker of some sort might be a better option.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Well, the fence sounds good. I hope you find what works best for you.

[Bonnie and Kona]

There are dog doors that are insulated and double walled for climate control. We don't have one but my BIL does and it seems to work like a dream. He has 3 little Westies that manage to push the flap at will. I have never had a critter come in my house and we have had dog doors for 35 years. Of course, having said that I will now be visited by one of those pesky squirrels and the dogs will go nuts and our house will be destroyed. hahaha

When we are gone we leave the TV on (I put it on HGTV; the animal channel has too much angry barking and it upsets Kona). They seem to sleep in the house and wander outside, too. We are never gone 8 hours a day 5 days a week though, but definitely have been gone 8 hours on one day here and there.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Congratulations on the new job!

I agree with F, I would not be comfortable with my dog outside when nobody was home.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We have the old-fashioned dog doors. Our yard is secure and we let the dogs go in and out 24/7. What would be the advantage of an electric one??? I especially love it so that we don't have to be home at a certain time to let the dogs out to potty.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

In my neighbourhood it is skunks, squirrels and raccoons that would likely make themselves at home if they ever discovered a doggie door. I've thought about the electronic one, but I'm just not sure it's a good idea.

[F, Calla & Luca]

My door is on the screened porch, and leads out to a raised deck. So I can and do usually shut the door to the house. But the flap closes securely and no critter or bug has ever come in but one could I suppose. The dogs learned to use the door, with me coaxing with treats, in just a few minutes. I do love having it though unless the weather is just right I have to open the house door for the dogs anyway.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Just so you know;  I don't know if we are just lucky, but we have never had an unwanted critter come IN through the dog door unless our guys brought it in (as in caught it).  You are right that lots of heat can come in but they have some that are 'double' with flaps at both sides so insulate better from temperature and bugs. Hattie would learn to use the door so quickly.  Every dog we have ever had visit has learned in just a couple of minutes of instruction.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Congratulations on the new job, Sandy! So happy for you!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Congrats Sandy! I wish you could bring her with you!