DOG FLAPS

[Jen]

It's me again.... :-
has anyone got a dog flap?  We are considering getting one for Monty.  His bed area is in the utility room - which has a door to the garden.....and I thought maybe a dog flap would be great for him to pop out and in as he pleases.  When it's not too chilly - I leave the door open and often see him nipping out for a wee, a sniff and a roll ! (as he refuses to mess in the utility room unless he's desperate :-)
When we bought Monty - the breeder had a dog flap on her back door for her 'pet' dogs - which is where I first learned of them (i'd never heard of them before!).
Also...anyone that has one....could a person fit through them (ie: a robber? )                    

[Michele]

Hi Jen,
Although I don't have a dog flap myself I know of a few people who do and their dogs use them very well.
With regards to the safety/security aspect I believe you can get ones that have a locking action that is released by a collar that the dog wears, making it not only safe from human intruders but from any other unwanted animals who may decide to visit.                    

[munners]

hi Jen

we have a cat flap which is plenty big enough for the dogs to fit though and of course to small for a person.I find it is great as the dogs have all the freedom they want with in reason.We just make sure they dont have access to the garden at night or if we are not around as you know cockers are far to friendly and i would be afraid that they might not be there in the morning.

                    nicki                    

[LindsayDobson]

Hi Jen

We too have a cat flap which the puppies can just about squeeze through, but not for much longer (fat little so and so's!).  We will definitely be upgrading to a larger one.  They use it all the time to go in and out, I think its brilliant if your house can accommodate one.

As some of the others have said, you can get one small enough so the dog can fit through but not a person.  I suppose a small child might squeeze through at a pinch...but would get licked to death in the process (in our house anyway)  

Regards Lindsay                    

[Jen]

Brill Brill Brill!!!! - Finally got the Dog Flap fitted and have just got to say how Brill we think it is!.....Monty quite happily flits in and out to the garden at his leisure now.....I have glanced out of the window many times since Saturday to see him sitting on the trampolene (see photo's section) on his own just chilling out!
I was out most of today - just popping in for lunch - and there were no accidents at all  (usually, there is at least 1 puddle on a Monday!).....just a happy cocker with wet paws and a few sticks from our shrubs in his basket!                    

[Christine]

Hi Jen!  I'm glad evrything has worked out for you, I have a query on the same lines, we have a cat and soon to pick up our first little cocker  We have a cat flap already in place but wondered if anybody knows of  anywhere I can pick up a dog flap that is magnetic?  I have seen them for cats, but not for dogs?                    

[Jen]

Hi Christine - I asked this question at our local pet shop and was told that the dog flaps weren't magnetic because it's unlikely that a person (one who would be small enough to fit through that is!) would risk crawling through a hole not knowing what sort of 'dog' may be at the other side....and a strange cat wouldn't come in because they would sense a dog lives there!  Now, I don't know how true this is - but we purchased the usual (staywell) dog flap - it has a lock if we want to keep Monty in - or if we're all out...otherwise.....we'll have to see if he invites his mates around! .  Maybe there is a magnetic one on the market.....but according to my pet shop....there is not!                    

[Christine]

Thanks Jen!  I need one as we will have a cat and a dog and I wanted to get something that will let the dog and cat out together withought other cats coming in as we have a few strays around, I also did not want the puppy getting scared of strange cats coming in and out of the house, I was worried he might get into a fight!

I wonder if anyone else has had this problem and has a solution to it?                    

[LouiseH]

Brill Brill Brill!!!! - Finally got the Dog Flap fitted and have just got to say how Brill we think it is!.....Monty quite happily flits in and out to the garden at his leisure now.....I have glanced out of the window many times since Saturday to see him sitting on the trampolene (see photo's section) on his own just chilling out!
I was out most of today - just popping in for lunch - and there were no accidents at all  (usually, there is at least 1 puddle on a Monday!).....just a happy cocker with wet paws and a few sticks from our shrubs in his basket!

I don't want to put a downer on this fabby idea of 'dog flaps' but I gathered from your mail (possibly wrongly) that you left your pup to come and go as he pleases and you went out? Just be on your guard as dog thefts are becoming increasingly common. I know i wouldn't like the thought of my pup being in the back garden while i'm out, just in case someone took a fancy to her.
JMHO                    

[Jen]

Thanks for the concern Louise .  I take your point - but thankfully, our garden is actually completly enclosed and not over looked at all.  It is likely that no-one would even know that there was a dog in the back garden - unless they scrambled over a rather high wall.  I don't worry too much about him going outside when I'm not around because I am lucky enough not to have to leave him for (at most) a few hours at a time.  I have got to say....he really loves this freedom....and I feel better about leaving him knowing he can pop out for toilet & a run when he pleases.                    

[LouiseH]

Hi again

Yes I take your point too, but i still think it is far too risky. Of course it is your decision, but from past experiences people have had that I know of, people have even been followed home from the daily walks etc, routine is calculated then bam. Padlocks broken etc etc.
Aparently these dogs are stolen to order too which is even more worrying.
Jane or Pam perhaps you can also shed some light on this?

Is your little pup chipped?                    

[Jen]

Yes he is chipped.  I've never heard of this sort of thing going on in my area....such a serious problem would surely make local 'gossip' - if not the local news!  I must ask around to other dog owners around here and see what they think..... maybe this sort of thing depends on the area you live in
Thank you for point - it's something I never considered at all before.                    

[Sue H]

My Mum has a cat flap which she has to lock at night now since a couple of neighbouring toms started inviting themselves in for a party, eating all the food, spraying everywhere and generally being yobboes!  Apparently, even the magnetic flaps are no deterrent to a cat on a mission, so as long as everyone remembers that they permit free access BOTH WAYS and takes the appropriate measures!                    

[Jane S]

Yes he is chipped.  I've never heard of this sort of thing going on in my area....such a serious problem would surely make local 'gossip' - if not the local news!  I must ask around to other dog owners around here and see what they think..... maybe this sort of thing depends on the area you live in
Thank you for point - it's something I never considered at all before.

Dog thefts are becoming increasingly common Jen - there have been warnings printed in the dog press recently warning all owners to be on their guard & giving advice on how to prevent thefts.  Some areas do have a very real problem with what appears to be travellers stealing to order - stolen dogs have been found on travellers' camps & others are returned to their owners after a "ransom" is paid (seems a popular scam at the moment) I don't want to panic you unnecessarily - it's just something you need to be aware of, specially with a friendly breed like a Cocker who isn't likely to deter would-be thieves by sounding ferocious                    

[mark206000]

Hi all,

I'm going to get a doggie door and was wondering what size do yous have ?

 I was looking at a medium petmate or staywell, are these big enough ?

Also any preference between staywell or petmates ?

Thanks !

Mark