[bpwriter47]

Hi Everyone,
I have 3 dogs and I'm looking into Electronic or Magnetic dog doors to install in our wall so that while we are gone, if they have to go potty or just want to go out and play (we have fenced yard) , they can.

I'm wondering if anyone else has one of these.

I've read up on several and actually like the idea of the magnetic door with a pully so it comes down slowly and won't hurt the pet. Plus, my understanding with the electronic ones are there are other items that can interfer with the operation of it and if the tags on the collars get wet, they may not work properly.

With the magnetic opener, it still works if wet.

I have been at home for 5 yrs. with disabilities, but new medications have made it possible for me to go back to school and then get job. ( I didn't realize this would work when I got the puppies).

So, I'm not wanting to leave them locked up even if someone leaves them out at lunch. I would rather they can come in and out as they please.

and with 3 dogs, as some of you know, the door is being opened quite a bit for playing and bathroom runs. I'm also hoping this will help one of my puppies not get so bored and start chewing on things he shouldn't. This is what I'm trying to train them on now. 2 of my dogs are ok staying out of kennels, but I'd like him to have that freedom also.

I also want it to keep other animals out that still get under our fence (rabbits; moles; turtles).

Has anyone used an automatic opening dog door????

[Todd]

YouTube- Power Pet Door
Dog Door Selection, All Types of Dog Doors

What type of pet door is right for your house?

How to Buy a Dog Door | eHow.com

http://ezinearticles.com/?Pre-Instal...oors&id=409958

*Above are some links on different types of dog doors that may be potentially helpful to you and you and your pups. If you decide to get a manual one, which I think is a better option because you don't have to worry about other things triggering it to open or a wet collar or whatever. Seems a lot cheaper, durable, and simpler in my book. Just remember to get one that's sturdy but still made out of material that wouldn't cause your dog any pain falling down on him. Just some sort of safe flap. With an electronic door you have to worry about a potential malfunction if the door closed on the dog or something. However, you can check out more info. It depends on the individual product. Look up product reviews online when you narrow it down.
I wouldn't recommend the magnetic door necessarily because when it shuts it could catch the tail or body just like the electric one. The heavier duty material or steel or plastic could harm the dog. I still just recommend the good old fashion manual dog doors with gentle flap-like material.

Good luck. Hopefully I could help!

[CorkyMax]

I am thinking along the same line as Todd! I would worry about malfunctions or dead batteries, etc-----And esp. since you will be gone at work all day. I have a simple regular doggie door---Been using for years---I have never had another animal try to come in---but my door has a ramp to it so is higher off the ground whether that would make any difference or not ? I don't like having any collars on my 2 dogs which is another reason I wouldn't like the kind you are talking about-----> and this is why: Dangers of Dog collars

The above is the link to the whole thread on collar dangers and hope you will click on it and read the entire thread, and here is the 1st post from it I did in the above link:

Dangers of Dog collars

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Just a warning/something for you to be aware of! I had read about this happening to dogs a few years back. Will give you an example of what could happen using my situation (This did not happen!) I have a chain link fence around my backyard and I have a doggie door with a ramp to this yard. The ramp is home-made and I put some latticework on top of it for better footing in the winter time. I went to work early in the morning and it might be 10 hrs before I would get home from work (sometimes groc. shopping before coming home) My 2 dogs are home alone but I open up the doggie door so they can go in and out freely while I am gone. They (like most dogs) wore their collars all the time.----Until I read an article in a dog magazine. Dogs have hung themselves by getting their collars caught on something! And it happened more often than you think! I started getting this pic. of me coming home--no dog sitting on the little hill waiting for me to come home--wonder why it wasn't there--go in the house--no dog--Went out in back yard and there is my dog hung up on the lattice-topped ramp, dead! Wouldn't that have been horrible to come home to! After reading that article---off came the collars--to be used only when they needed to go to vet or for a walk--WITH ME RIGHT THERE. I would like to impress upon you that there are many things you may never even think of that they could get caught and hang themselves--esp. if they jump down off of something. The point is I would never leave a collar on my dog unless some one was there to keep an eye on the dog----and even then it could happen if you weren't paying close attention and how long does it take for the dog to hang itself?!
Note: Another reason to not buy bandanas for your dog either!!

I have to ask you this though---Do you have coyotes around there that might get in your fenced in yard? Just want you to be aware of this danger as these sneaky devils have killed many dogs in the past couple of years--come right into the suburbs and grab the dogs and kill them. Also to warn you of this: Can't remember where I read this--actually think it was in this forum---something (can't remember either if it was a coyote or some other animal) came right in the doggie door and grabbed a little dog and killed it.
Sorry to be so paranoid/whatever--but I am a very cautious person and thought it best to let you know of things that could happen--so you are aware! I saw your photos and see that you have small sized dogs---Was hoping they were bigger dogs so could protect themselves better.