Doggy door advice? Should I install one? Any advice welcome.

[Wcross]

We are having a heat wave in Tennessee, I work 12 hour shifts and its around an hour commute. I have five dogs and today I came home and they were bushed. My old dog Buddy even jumped up into the truck for the ride to the house and he HATES riding in the truck. It would be nice if they had access to the house during the day to cool off. I think 14 hours is beyond the carrying capacity of the average dog if I were to leave them inside.
My concerns are allowing easy access to human beings along with the dogs. The dogs are all under 16" tall and under 50 pounds. I wouldn't need a large door but I am worried that criminals would have an easy way in.

I guess since I mentioned Buddy I ought to provide a picture?

[lost-in-nj]

1. I have one..

the dogs love it
we have a fence around the yard
only thing is that I have to put the doggy door in

on landscaping day
best thing we did


lost

[Wcross]

5. Would it be easy for a person to slip through?

I am thinking an air conditioned doghouse (didn't the late Tammy fay baker have one?)? I am debating if I should add a small a/c unit to the communal doghouse or just put the door in and risk a burglary.

[flvegan]

2. 5 dogs v. criminals

During the day, the criminals would likely avoid your house due to the barking. Noise, like light, are things those types of folks hate.

At night, you could seal it off. I think a doggie door is a great idea.

[Wcross]

3. Rural area & no neighbors.

They could take hours to burglarise my house. They guys do bark but will not bite. I am here every evening so it isn't and issue other than vacations, blocking it wouldn't be an issue then.

[Deja Q]

4. Must... resist... obvious temptation... to... copycat!

:rofl:

[Oeditpus Rex]

6. I put in one of these for my cat

They make 'em for dogs, too. http://www.petdoors.com/cat_mate_pet_doors.htm

They're easy to install, they seal well and you can lock 'em in, out or both.

They also have a "high-tech" model that automatically locks via magnets. Your pet wears a dealie on its collar that triggers the magnets to release.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

7. I was going to suggest that one!

I saw it on IT Takes A Thief. They put one in for some homeowners after one of the guys got into the house through the doggy door.
Duckie

[Wcross]

8. THANKS! The high tech one sounds good.

At least a skunk wouldn't wander in while the dogs were preoccupied.

[idgiehkt]

9. friends of mine put a dog door in their basement wall

They backed a doghouse right up against the wall so it just looks like the dog is going in the doghouse, when really he is going inside, lol. ;)