How To Install a Dog Door

Give your pet the freedom to come and go outdoors and be more active by installing a pet door .

The first thing you need to consider is the size of the pet door .

It's important to choose a pet door .

That's the appropriate size to fit your pet .

The width of the pet door should be two inches wider than the measurement between your pet's shoulders .

The height of the pet door should be two inches taller than the measurement between the top of your pets shoulders and the bottom of their chest to begin tap the hinge pins out of your door with a hammer and a screwdriver .

Once the pins are out , remove the door and lay it across two saw horses with the interior , your side facing up .

Most pet doors include a template for cutting the hole .

The height of your pets shoulders will help you determine the appropriate placement of the hole to give your pet comfortable access position .

The template in the desired location on the door , make sure the template is level and that the lowest cutting mark is at least three inches above the bottom edge of the door .

Tape , the template in place .

Now , cut out the appropriately sized template for your door , tape it to the door using a 38 inch bit drill , a hole at each of the corners of a template marking .

Once all of your holes have been drilled , insert the blade of your jigsaw into one of your corner holes and carefully cut along the template marking between each corner .

When you are finished .

Remove the cutout and sand or file any rough edges , check the fit of the interior frame and mark the holes to be drilled .

The mounting hardware , then remove the frame and drill the holes using the appropriately sized bit ensure holes are drilled perpendicular to the door .

In order for the hardware to line up with both sides of the frame .

Now insert the exterior frame from the underside of the door , depending on the thickness of your door .

You may need to trim the core frames with shears or pliers to ensure a snug fit , hold the frame pieces together and install the fasteners and trim the excess with a pair of wire cutters .

In order to achieve an airtight seal caulk around the exterior frame with a weatherproof sealant .

Once the pet door frame has been caked , you can rehang your door , use the closing panel that is included with your kit that close and secure your door when you're away or asleep with a little training .

Your pet will love their newfound freedom .