Flap Door

Good morning,

I got a new puppy Belle who is 9 weeks now. She is already getting used to peeing and weeing in the backyard. I am about to install a flap door so she can easily go in and out as I have to leave the door slightly open and bad weather is approaching.

I am unsure about the height when measuring from the floor. How high do I have to place the flap up.

The cut out size is 37cmh x 31.4cm and the flap measures 33cm high x 29cm wide.

Any help please?

Thanks

No idea about sizes, I'm afraid, but I'll move this to the general chat area for you as I think you'll get more views there

Hi Ya, Welcome to the Forum from Flo & me

I would position the bottom of the flap at about 6 inches/150 mm from the floor. This should allow a standard size Staffy to push with the paw as they go through without stooping.

Thanks a lot Ian... I have a step beneath the door which is 3 inches high. Should I calculate from the top of the step?

I would. Your pup will need to stand on the step to reach the dog flap.

Just in case it doesn't say on the box, the other thing you'll need to think about is teaching Belle to go through the flap. She won't know what to do herself and she might even be worried by it. Most dogs, for example, need to learn how to go through agility tunnels. Leave it open for a few days and coax her through with food, in both directions. Make sure she's happy going in and out before upping the challenge and asking her to open the flap herself. Also, you might need to desensitise her to the noise of the flap dropping shut. If it spooks her she may never want to use it again. It worth a bit of time investment to get her started and happy.

We fixed the flap at 8 inches high and placed a wooden ramp for her. We tied the flap with masking tape to hold it open for now and she goes in and out :-) Wee is in the yard 24/7 already and pee is in the yard during the day but indoors during the night! I am very happy with her as she seems to be a very intelligent dog. I have another worry though. I am opening another thread. Thanks for your input here was very helpful!