How to fit a dog flap

Dog flaps are like large cat flaps. They come in different sizes depending on the dog's size, but all work the same way, they allow dogs access to the outside or to an enclosure through their own doggy doors. Fitting one is usually not beyond the skills of the average do-it-yourself person, but it can appear complicated. Here are some hints on how to do it successfully.

First steps in fitting your dog door

Where is it going? Where are you going to fit your dog door? Dog doors can be fitted into any type of wall or window, but the type of material can make a difference. If it is going in an ordinary wooden door, it will be quite easy. But if you want to cut through a stone wall, and particularly if it is going to go in a glass door or window, you might want to get an expert to cut the hole for you, unless you are very experienced in this line of work. Cutting the space All dog doors differ slightly, so get out your instruction manual and follow them carefully. They will probably include a template for the hole, and the most important thing is to cut this accurately. To start the hole, you will need to drill several small holes, and then use a jigsaw blade to enlarge the hole.

Putting in the actual door

Screwing the sections together Now follow the instructions. You will probably have two sections which fit on either side of the door. You need to mark the positions of the screws carefully before drilling the screw holes. Then carefully screw the sections together through the door. It is much easier, if possible, to have someone else hold the different sections of the dog door for you while you do this, as you really need to be on both sides of the door at the same time. Finishing touches Check your instructions. At this point, you will now probably have to fit in a mechanism to lock the dog door, if it has one of these, or maybe some screw covers, but nothing too complicated. You are finally done. Your dog can now use his own door to come and go. Don't forgot though, you may need to teach him how it works, but that's another story.