Frequently Asked Questions

A: Training your best friend for the dog agility course obstacles requires a close relationship and a lot of trust between yourself and your dog. Agility is a team sport. While there are specific guidelines for AKC agility course competitions, there are more laid-back ways to get involved and to compete with your pooch as well. You need not necessarily have a specific breed of dog or register with the AKC to enjoy the benefits and fun of dog agility. Dog agility is quickly growing in popularity for both participants and spectators. A dog agility course consists of 14-20 obstacles. There is a limited amount of time to complete the course and in the proper sequence of obstacles. A judge will decide which obstacles will be used in the course. The course must consist of four standard obstacles and the rest can be of the judge’s choosing. The obstacles can be in any order the judge likes. Strong non-verbal communication between the handler and the dog is essential to run the course accurately and within the allotted time. The 4 Standard Dog Agility Course Obstacles A-Frame – This obstacle is two panels placed together in a triangle shape at a standard height of 5 feet 6 inches, that the dog runs up and then down the other side. The panel is between 35 and 49 inches wide. Tunnel – The dogs may go through an open or closed tunnel. This refers to the ends of the tunnel. There are different specifications for open tunnels versus closed tunnels according to AKC regulations. Seesaw – Similar to a child’s teeter-totter, this is a 12-inch wide and 12 foot long plank on a fulcrum the dog must negotiate. The seesaw can be the scariest obstacle as it moves under their feet. It is recommended you begin to train this obstacle using something low to the ground, like a skateboard or child’s wagon. You can also create and use a balance board. A balance board is made with a piece of plywood the size of the dog’s stance and a brick or small ball that is placed underneath to make it unsteady. Weave Poles – Here dogs weave to the left and to the right between poles set up approximately two feet apart, depending on the style of course. The weave poles are the most challenging of the dog agility course obstacles to teach. There are many different approaches to teaching this skill and you will likely need expert help on the training. To get started at home you can place plant stakes in the ground 2 feet apart. Be sure your dog enters the poles between the 1st and 2nd poles from the left side. Additionally, teach your dog tricks that will enhance his flexibility. These tricks would include spins, bows and weaving figure eights. Practicing these maneuvers will get them ready for weaving through the weave poles. Other Dog Agility Course Obstacles Dog Walks, including Crossovers and Tower configurations Jump Configurations Pause Tables and Pause Boxes Sway Planks and Bridges Hoop Jumps The dog agility course obstacles described above are the most common and typically standard in an agility course. There are, of course, many more obstacles than four in any one course. Agility courses come in all types of configurations and difficulty levels. They are also built for different height and skill level dogs. PlexiDor Dog Doors encourages you to spectate an agility competition for yourself, if you have not already. See what all the fuss is about. PlexiDor manufactures standard and electronic dog doors for small to extra-large dogs. Contact our Customer Service department or call 888-PETDOOR with any questions on our products.

A: We have departed from the days when the only treat in town for the dog is a biscuit at the local bank or pharmacy. Today truly dog friendly cities are gauged on the number of dog parks there are and restaurants serving cuisine created for dogs. Urban centers from all corners of the country are at the top of the list for catering to the canine. What makes a city dog friendly you ask? It is more than an off-leash park and a sausage specifically on the menu for the dog. These cities offer more. Criteria to make this exclusive list include considerations for your pet’s health and wellness like an ample number of veterinarians and lower average vet costs. Also reviewed are the number of dog trainers, caretakers and dog-friendly businesses in the area. There are a healthy number of pet-friendly restaurants including some indoor dining establishments indulging our four-legged friends in these top ranked cities. All types of restaurants include dog friendly items on the menu; from cafés and seafood, to breweries and ice cream shops.  Grand hotels show their pet friendliness by providing pet beds, bowls and treats to pup patrons. Outdoor dog friendliness is of equal importance to health. A dog’s outdoor life lends itself to their overall social, mental, and physical health. This includes walkability, weather and the number of parks available for outdoor recreation. Our list of cities boasts off-leash play areas, gorgeous landscaped gardens, acres of hiking trails for leashed pups, and off-leash beaches for swimming. Other less common dog friendly activities offered in these cities are kayaking, tourist attractions, yoga and seaplane tours. Top Dog Friendly Cities in America Austin, TX – A great place to try yoga with your dog! San Diego, CA – Boasts one of the first off-leash beaches in the country and great weather in Southern California! Portland, OR – Home to the most dog parks per capita in the country. Seattle, WA – Company located here offering pet-friendly seaplane tours San Francisco, CA – Most tourist attractions are pet-friendly including Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero and Golden Gate Bridge from 5PM to dusk daily. Tampa, FL – Combine the dog park with a day at the beach at an off-leash beach with swimming! Boston, MA – Furnishes pet-friendly historic tours of the city and surrounding area for dog loving tourists. Colorado Springs, CO – Stay in a 5-star hotel that provides pet beds, bowls and dog treats to your furry friends. If you’re looking to relocate or just taking a trip and the pooch is of primary importance in your plans, consider one of the above cities. They take “dog-friendly” to a new level. PlexiDor Dog Doors is located just around the bay from Tampa in Bradenton, FL and we love it! Contact us for assistance making your house more dog-friendly with a PlexiDor Dog Door at 888-PETDOOR. Our Customer Service team is knowledgeable and always happy to answer any questions.

A: Pulling off a stress-free, dog friendly road trip can go smoothly with the proper planning and preparation. It is well worth the extra effort in the end for an easy-breezy trip to prep before you set off. It’s also worth it to have the company of your best friend by your side. Plan your trip well. Reserve pet friendly accommodations that are a realistic distance from each stop. Don’t try to cover too many miles in one day. Also, keep in mind some hotels may have limitations on their “pet friendliness,” so be sure to ask questions about breed and weight restrictions and whether there are additional fees for dogs. You may need to make more frequent stops with your dog along for the ride. Take the opportunity to see the cities and towns you pass through along the way. There are many dog friendly restaurants and other attractions throughout the country that you can explore. After all, isn’t getting there half the fun?  Check out GoPetFriendly for fun ideas on things to do in, around and on the way to your destinations. Before you set off, be sure your dog is caught up on all their vaccinations and make sure to take proof of those with you on your trip. If you need a shot or two, while at the vet ask about remedies for car sickness and uneasiness. If your dog isn’t microchipped, you may consider getting this done before you set off. Should your dog get separated from you, a microchipped pet has a better chance of being reunited with its owner. The trip is all planned and vaccinations are current. It’s time to get the car ready. Your dog should be secured in a rear seat in either a crate or a harness while the car is in motion. This is safer for the dog and prevents distraction for the driver. Be sure to deactivate the airbag for the seat the dog will be in. If they are not already, familiarize your dog to the crate or harness before the road trip. Spend small amounts of time wearing the harness or being in the crate and then work up to going for short rides in the restraint and then longer ones. Getting your dog used to riding will make the trip more enjoyable for both of you. Of course, don’t forget to pack all the items your dog will need while you’re away from home. Here’s a list to help you pack. Dog Friendly Road Trip Packing List: Food and treats; if necessary, a can opener for wet food Medications, vitamins and supplements Drinking water Food and water dishes Dog bed and some toys ID tag and collar Leash Waste bags Paper towels/wet wipes Old towel(s) First aid kit Proof of vaccinations Medical records Photo of your pet As always, when going anywhere with your dog be considerate of others. Put a good face forward for dog owners everywhere. Clean up after your pet, keep them on a leash and be safe. Some days may not go as planned. The best solution for these situations is to adjust. Pets, like children, bring a certain amount of unpredictability to our lives. As pet owners, we love them for it and have learned to adapt. Keep these things in mind while preparing for your dog friendly road trip this year and you and the pooch will have a great time! PlexiDor Dog Doors wishes everyone safe travels while out enjoying the open road and encourages everyone to crate or harness your dogs in the car for safety’s sake. Happy travels!

A: It may seem like it’s been here forever, but we only just officially entered the Winter months. Which means no matter your latitude, colder weather has come to your town and it may be necessary to keep some cold weather tips in mind for our four-legged friends. Winter brings the cold and damp and with it ice related maladies. Always be on the lookout for both hypothermia and frostbite in your dog and know the signs of each. In addition, keep the following basic guidelines in mind to keep your indoor dog comfortable this winter. Cold Weather Tips for Your Dog’s Comfort Limit your pets time outside in the cold months as appropriate by their breed and living arrangement. If you have an “outdoor dog” always provide shelter that is at least three inches off the ground and place some kind of insulation in the void under the doghouse like straw. Place additional straw and bedding inside the doghouse for the dog to nestle into. When it’s extremely cold, you should bring your dog inside. If it’s too cold for you without a coat, then it’s too cold for your short-haired dog. A cute sweater is a fashionable solution to the situation. Of course, there’s times just a practical puffy coat is the way to go. Attend to your dog’s feet and skin. Paws sometimes bear the brunt of harsh winter conditions. The winter months prove to be drier in some parts of the country; creating the need to moisturize in general to prevent and/or alleviate dry skin issues. Snow and ice present their own issues. Furry pawed pups may find snow accumulates on the fur around their pads and irritates it. The snow and ice may also be laden with chemicals or salt, used as ice melt, that can cause the dog harm as they lick it off their feet. Keep your dog safe from potential hazards around the house, like antifreeze and heaters. Antifreeze has a sweet smell and taste for a dog with a deadly result. Space heaters, heating vents and fireplaces can all pose a risk should a cold dog get too close and singe or burn themselves. Be sure Fido is well hydrated by keeping the water in his bowl fresh and clean. Just as in the summer months, don’t leave your dog unattended in the car. While the summer concern is overheating; the winter concern is frostbite and hypothermia. When out for a walk, keep your dog on a leash and make sure your dog is properly ID tagged and microchipped. Just in case he gets away or otherwise lost, the identification will ensure he gets back to you safely. Groom your dog regularly. You should always bathe him inside and completely dry the dog afterward before going outside again. Be sure the undercoat is thoroughly dry as well as the top coat or your dog could get a chill. The most important part of keeping your dog comfortable this winter is knowing your dog’s individual signals. Every dog is different and with observation, you will see your dog’s signals when he or she is cold. Factors that affect a dog’s individual threshold for the cold are age, fur type, fur length, breed, climate acclimation, and health. At home, give your dog easy, available access to and from the outdoors. An easy way to give your dog some dominion over how long they spend outside this winter is by installing a PlexiDor Dog Door. Contact their Customer Service at 888-PETDOOR for more information.

A: There have been dogs in the White House since George Washington took office in 1789 and the early presidential dogs are important to note as part of the whole pack of First Dogs. However, the press didn’t take interest in the First Dog until the 1920s with Warren Harding’s Airedale Terrier, Laddie Boy. Never-the-less, in the first 110 years of America’s democracy, over 40 dogs roamed the halls and soiled the lawns of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and only 14 of the 25 presidents in office during this time had dogs. Only twelve presidents in all, out of the total 45, did not have a canine companion. That’s a whopping seventy-three percent of presidents who were dog-lovers! Eleven of those twelve presidents without a dog presided before 1901. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting facts about the early presidential dogs. George Washington wins the award for most dogs during this time with 12 dogs. He kept hounds; American Foxhounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds and a Greyhound. One of his Black and Tan Coonhounds was named Drunkard and another Tipsy. John Adams had a dog named Satan. The most presidential dog was perhaps James Garfield’s dog named “Veto”. The breed of this dog is not known. The most exotic dogs during this time were Franklin Pierce’s two teacup Japanese Chins. Ulysses S. Grant’s Newfoundland was his most “Faithful” companion, as would be suggested by his name. The most popular breed among the presidents was a Newfoundland. Three different presidents, Buchanan, Grant and Hayes, each had this breed. There were also three dachshunds in the White House, but all three were Grover Cleveland’s. During this time period, some the presidents who did not keep dogs had some interesting animal companion choices as well… Three presidents kept a parrot including James Madison, Andrew Jackson, and William McKinley. Martin Van Buren briefly kept two tiger cubs that were a gift from a Sultan. Congress forced him to donate them to a zoo. John Quincy Adams kept silkworms and the First Lady, Louisa, spun their silk. It is also possible he kept an alligator. There was quite a variety in presidential pets and some very interesting details regarding the early presidential dogs. Teacup to extra-large, companion and working dogs all graced the halls of the White House during the birth of our Nation and beyond. With twelve dogs, George Washington may have found a dog door helpful to allow the dogs access to the outside without involving him. Whether you have one dog or twelve, give yours the freedom of outside access with a quality dog door from PlexiDor Dog Doors. Give us a call at 888-PET-DOOR or drop us a line today!

A: Wanting to Upgrade Our Patio Door Whether you are able to enlarge the patio door isn’t really the question. The real question is, “how much will it cost?” No matter what you have planned, going from a single to a double French door or updating that old slider for sleek folding glass doors, the cost involved is directly related to if the wall is load-bearing or not. A load-bearing wall supports the weight of the roof. When the wall you’re putting a large hole in supports a lot of weight, there are additional structural factors that need to be taken into consideration. This is where you bring in a structural engineer to determine what type of building materials need to be used and to advise on the appropriate building permits. If you are not a DIYer on this scale, it is recommended you hire a structural engineer to file the permits and to suggest a professional contractor to enlarge the door opening and install the door. That leaves plenty of time for you, the client, to pick out the new door for the contractor to order. The goal is to the get the permits approved around the same time the door package arrives from the manufacturer. This is less about careful planning and has more to do with blind luck. Planning the project out completely before actually starting will save you heartache in the end. To Enlarge the Patio Door: To begin, the contractor will get rid of the wall where the new door will go from stud to stud. Then, take off all the sheetrock, trim, baseboards and crown moulding and remove all the insulation from inside the exterior wall. He will check for electrical and plumbing inside the wall. If there is electrical and /or plumbing, they will need to be re-routed by professionals in their respective trades. Electrical and plumbing changes can be costly. Before cutting through the outside wall, the contractor may opt to put up some kind of temporary weather shield to protect your home from the elements until the door installation is complete. The contractor will then saw through the outside wall. Sawing through the exterior wall can be tricky depending on the substrate of the wall. The old door hinges and frame will need to be removed as well. The header of the old door will need to be replaced by a new laminated veneer header that spans the distance of the entire new doorway on newly installed trimmers or jack studs. (See diagram) The door is finally ready to be installed and then finishing work on both the inside and outside walls is completed. It is, of course, more detailed than that for the contractor, but that gives you a quick run down of what to expect from the process. While installing new glass doors to enlarge the patio door, consider upgrading the door further by adding a dog door. PlexiDor Dog Doors Glass Series inserts come in a range of pre-fabricated sizes ready for installation. They are a wonderful aesthetically pleasing addition to any remodel and are energy efficient, guaranteed and warrantied. Contact our Customer Service for questions or call 888-PETDOOR with any questions. We are always happy to help!

A: Flyball may be a great option in dog sports for you and your canine companion if you have a breed that requires more exercise than a daily walk. Some breeds just have a bit, or lots, more energy to burn off and flyball training may be a good way to expend it. In short, flyball is a fetch, hurdle-jumping relay race against another team of dogs. Let me explain… What is Flyball? There are two teams of four dogs that race against each other, side by side, on a 51 foot course. On the course, there are four hurdles the dogs must jump over spaced ten feet apart. Each dog, one at a time, runs down the course jumping each hurdle, in turn. Then retrieves a ball before racing back to the beginning of the course, jumping the hurdles along the way, with the ball in their mouth. Each dog is set loose down the course, one at a time, as the dog before him crosses the finish line. Down the course, over each hurdle, to a spring-loaded box that ejects a tennis ball when the dog steps on it. The dog retrieves the ball and hurdles his way back down the course to the finish line to send off the next dog. The team whose final dog crosses the finish line first wins. Who Can Compete? Any size and breed of dog can compete in flyball. The hurdles on the course are determined by the smallest dog’s height on the team. This is known as the “height dog”. The height of the hurdles is based on their height at the shoulders. While any breed can compete in flyball, breeds known for retrieving and herding typically do the best. How Can I Train My Dog for Flyball? Start with the basics. Teach your dog to fetch and not release the ball until commanded. Move on to teaching your dog to jump one hurdle by getting him to fetch a ball on the other side of the hurdle. Once your dog can jump one hurdle, add a second hurdle placed ten feet apart. Continue adding hurdles up to four. Finally, teach your dog to jump on the spring loaded pad that will release the tennis ball. Now you’ve taught your dog all the parts of the course. Put them all together in order and team up with three other dogs to race! Flyball isn’t learned overnight. You will need to work with your dog in small increments of 10-15 minutes at a time. Practice two-to-three times a day, consistently, until your dog gets each skill down. Remember to continue practicing the other skills you have already learned while learning new skills. You will be “flying” down the course in no time.

A: The most popular small dog among Americans, according to the AKC (American Kennel Club), is the amiable and very adorable French Bulldog. They rank fourth overall on the 2020 Most Popular Dog Breeds list and lead the pack for small dogs. Frenchies stay under 28 pounds and are about a foot high fully grown. Their coats come in a range of colors including cream, brown, and black. Their most distinctive feature is the “bat ears” that stand up off the top of their head. Except for the ears, Frenchies resemble a bulldog, but in miniature. They have the same stocky, muscular build of the Bulldog covered with a short, smooth coat of fur. They have large, square heads with heavy wrinkles and folds of skin around their short, stubby noses. Their small stature and good-natured disposition, coupled with the fact that they seldom bark, has made them a favorite among apartment dwellers. They do not require a lot of outdoor exercise which is also perfect for city life. While well suited to the city, they make excellent pets for anyone and are great with kids. Their alert and playful nature make them great watchdogs in any environment. The French Bulldog is a very adaptable breed and is just at home in a couple’s New York flat as it is in a suburban family of five’s split-level ranch in the suburbs. They get along well with people and other animals alike and make great family dogs. Training for your Frenchie puppy is recommended for proper socialization and to curb their propensity to be stubborn. They do want to please their owners, so they are easy to train. The proper motivation, such as treats, make training easier. The French Bulldog is susceptible to obesity, so give treats in moderation. Frenchies don’t shed much and are considered low maintenance dogs. They only require a weekly brushing to remove shed hair and an occasional bath. Their facial folds should be given regular attention to ensure they are kept clean and dry. It is important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed so that long nails do not cause pain. As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs are prone to breathing problems and do not do well in hot and humid weather. Exertion in these environments should be kept at a minimum. They are also susceptible to eye conditions, skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders. Be sure to contact a reputable and responsible breeder if you are considering a French Bulldog as a companion. As a small breed under 40 pounds, but larger than 9 pounds, a medium PlexiDor Dog Door would be perfect for your new French Bulldog. Contact PlexiDor with any questions or call 888-PETDOOR. Our Customer Service is always happy to help and enjoy your new French Bulldog furbaby.

A: So, you’re thinking about getting started with dog agility training. Maybe you saw a competition on TV and thought it looked like a fun way to spend time with your dog. Agility training, by nature, definitely strengthens your bond with your dog. It is a team sport between the two of you and requires a lot of communication, strategy, and teamwork. However, before you begin teaching your dog the obstacle course part of agility training, there is some more basic training to consider. Getting Started with Obedience Training Prior to starting with agility training, basic obedience training is a must. Your dog should be able to follow basic commands like sit, stay, down, come and walk before moving on to something more sophisticated like dog agility. Also, equally important is your relationship with your dog. In agility, you are a team and it should be fun. Praise your pooch for getting it right and take care of their emotional needs. They will go further faster. Agility is just for fun, so be sure to make it fun. Keep your expectations and session durations short to begin with. You don’t want training to outlast your dog’s attention span. When your dog is performing well and enjoying himself, he’ll be successful and the training will go better. As he improves raise your expectations in increments slowly. Be careful not to push too hard. Keep it fun and you’ll get better results. Getting Started with a Strong Bond This is a team sport between you and your dog. As the handler, your dog must focus on you and you alone. Start out practicing in a quiet place without any distractions. The goal here is to train your dog to make eye contact with you on cue without using a verbal command. This will be necessary as the dog runs the agility course and for him to know where to go. Especially as he gets farther away from you at times. Getting Started with Dog Agility Training Obstacles The obstacles on the agility course are pretty standard and include an A-frame, dog walk, see-saw and other featured elements like a tunnel, weave poles and pause box. However, they will not always be in the same order. Your dog will need to know which obstacle to go to next without following you. You may not be in the lead at all times on the course. So, spending a little extra time with your dog overall is considered getting started with dog agility training. Take some extra time to strengthen those non-verbal communications between the two of you. Start working on getting them to touch their nose to your hand or to a target. Practice hand signals. Keep their attention on you with treats and other rewards. Join PlexiDor Dog Doors again next week for more information on training for the different obstacles in the dog agility course. Our standard and electronic dog doors come in sizes small through extra-large to fit Chihuahuas up to Great Danes. Our doors can be installed in walls, doors, sliding glass, French doors, glass house doors and windows. Contact our Customer Service Department today with any questions or call 888-PETDOOR.

A: George H.W. Bush through Donald Trump The present day presidential dogs belonged to presidents that have seen their share of eventful days in America. During these years, the country witnessed the World Wide Web made public domain; the end of the Cold War; the beginning and end of the Gulf War; the Dow Jones hitting an all-time high; Y2K coming and going without incident; the fall of the Twin Towers; the advent of social media; a Recession; hurricanes, tornados, storm flooding and wildfires causing mass devastation across America; the first image of a black hole and the rebirth of America’s space program. Both good and bad, the dogs of four of these presidents saw it all. As mentioned in a previous blog, out of forty-five presidents, only twelve did not own a dog and only two presidents had no pet at all. Eleven of the presidents without a dog took office before 1900. The most recent president, without any pet at all, Donald Trump (2017 - ), holds the presidency now. The other presidents of this time period only had four breeds and eight dogs between them; the English Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Scottish Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog. Barack Obama and his Portuguese Water Dog, Bo More intriguing facts about present day presidential dogs… The award for the "most" dogs goes to George W. Bush and First Lady, Laura with three. They had two Scottish Terriers, Barney and Miss Beazley and a English Springer Spaniel named Spot "Spotty" Fetcher. Scottish Terriers like Barney and Miss. Beazley Only Bill Clinton (1993 – 2001) had one dog, a chocolate Labrador Retriever named Buddy. Buddy was the largest dog in the White House during these 30 years. The Clinton’s also had a black and white cat named Socks. The “most popular” breed was the English Springer Spaniel at three. George H.W. Bush (1989 – 1993) had two, Millie and Millie’s puppy, Ranger. George W. Bush (2001 – 2009) had one, Spotty, another of Millie’s puppies. English Springer's are the second most popular spaniel breed. The smallest dogs in the White House were George W. and Laura Bush’s Scottish Terriers, Barney and Miss. Beazley. The “most hypoallergenic” dog goes to Barack Obama (2009 – 2017) and his two Portuguese Water Dogs, Bo and Sunny. The breed was chosen because his daughter, Malia, is allergic to dogs. The present day presidential dogs were the fewest in number. As the years have gone by, presidents have had fewer and fewer pets on the whole. Perhaps keeping a large number of pets is a thing of the past and a sign of the times. However, one thing is certain, dogs are the most popular companion animal in the United States. 38% of American families have a dog. No house with a dog should be without a secure, durable dog door. PlexiDor Dog Doors is known for theirs and they are warrantied and guaranteed. Contact us or call at 888-PETDOOR to find out more!