Frequently Asked Questions

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A: The Basenji is an athletic, medium sized hunting dog with its origins traced back to central Africa. They are unique among dogs for their sound. They do not bark, but yowl a high-pitched guttural vocalization unique to their breed due to their unusually shaped larynx. History of the Basenji Basenjis are one of the oldest dog breeds, already a domesticated dog before they were brought up the Nile to Ancient Egypt as gifts for the pharaohs. They have long been used as hunting dogs by the locals in and around the Congo who revered these dogs for their aptitude, bravery, speed and calm. They hunt by sight and scent and have a high prey drive. They were bred to hunt small game and rodents. They will go after cats and other small animals. This medium sized breed was accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1944. They stand between sixteen to seventeen inches at the shoulder and weigh between 22-24 pounds. Basenji live an average of thirteen to fourteen years. Basenji Characteristics The basenji is known as a catlike canine. Fastidious in their cleanliness, they will groom themselves like a cat. Also like a cat, they dislike wet weather and will refuse to go out when it is damp and wet. They have a short coat that comes in red, black, tri-color and brindle. They all have white chests, feet and tail tips. The breed is characterized by a tightly curled tail, wrinkles between their erect ears and expressive almond shaped eyes. They are equally long and tall, giving a square appearance to their body. The basenji have a distinctive gait. They trot, almost like a racehorse. Like a spirited racehorse, they can be a challenge to train. The wild African dog in them makes them independent and free thinking. Start these dogs in obedience training as puppies. They are quite agile and athletic. The basenji is able to jump and climb. Chain link fence and other obstacles are not deterrents to escape for them. They are good problem solvers and are able to stand on their hind legs, like a prairie dog, when motivated to reach a goal. Basenjis will do well when raised with children from puppyhood, but is not generally known as a dog good with children. Unless this dog is raised with cats or other small animals that are recognized as family, he shouldn’t be left alone with them unsupervised. They will see them as prey. These dogs can adapt to apartment life but will need to have enough exercise and playtime provided. They have high exercise needs. They do not have problems with separation and does well being left alone for long stretches. They tend to emotionally attach themselves to one person. The popularity of this breed has remained relatively stable over the past decade. The AKC has them ranked 87th out of 200 currently. Overall, the Basenji is a wonderful and unique dog. They make good pets for veteran and first time pet parents alike, but should go to an energetic home. When shopping for a dog door, the Basenji will need a medium sized PlexiDor Dog Door. Our doors come in both a standard and an electronic model. The standard dog door provides access through walls, doors sliding glass doors, French doors and glass house doors. They are available in bronze, silver and white for walls and doors and bronze and white for glass. We are so sure you’ll love your PlexiDor Dog Door, we offer a 90 day money back guarantee. Our standard door comes with a ten year warranty and the electronic model comes with a five year warranty. Contact out Customer Service Department for additional questions or call 888-PET-DOOR.

A: It’s the time of year we’re looking for the greatest family gift ever for the tree. Families may be spending more time at home lately with working and schooling from home, and this seems like the perfect opportunity for a new pet. Adopting a dog into your family is a blessing, a challenge, and a lifelong responsibility. There are a few important things you need to consider before getting a dog. Before Getting a Dog Do You Really Want A Dog? – Dogs are cute, fun, playful and wonderful companions. They will completely change your life and your routine. They can be expensive, rambunctious, messy, and noisy. Enjoying a dog for a couple of hours and taking care of one are two completely different things. Research What Breed to Get – Consider carefully whether you want a puppy or an older dog. Puppies are cute, but they are a lot more work. An older dog may be more your speed. They don’t require as much training or have as much energy. They also usually are already potty-trained. Equally important, is what breed to get. Each breed has its own traits and characteristics that will suit your lifestyle better. For example, a large dog that enjoys the outdoors, like a German Shepherd, may not be the best dog for someone in an apartment. Some breeds are more hypo-allergenic than others and better for people with allergies, like a Portuguese Water Dog. While some breeds are not recommended for families with small children, like the Pekingese and Chihuahua. Before getting a dog, decide which breed will be best for your unique situation. Get Your House Ready for the Dog – If you’ve decided on a puppy, there is more to do than for an older dog. Puppies can and will get into more trouble than an older dog. Mature dogs will already know most basic rules and will only need to know the rules of your house. Before getting a dog, you may want to consider a dog door. PlexiDor Dog Doors has durable and energy efficient options to choose from that look nice too. You will also need to decide where to put the food bowls and dog bed and whether the furniture is off limits or not. Dogs Are Expensive – There are lifetime costs with having a dog. Beyond the initial cost of purchasing the dog and the initial shots and perhaps spaying and neutering your dog, there are regular check ups and additional healthcare needs as they age. Also, your dog will need food, bedding, toys, and other accessories during their life to keep them happy and healthy. Walking your dog – Dogs need walks, once, sometimes twice a day to maintain proper health. Training – All new dogs into a family will need some kind of training, but puppies especially will need training, whether in-home or at a special school. Dogs are amazing bundles of love and a wonderful addition to a family or companion animal to anyone. However, it should not be a compulsive decision or taken lightly. It would not be fair to yourself or the dog for the adoption to be temporary because it was not thought through in the first place. Carefully weigh all aspects of ownership before getting a dog and decide if a dog is, in fact, the right dog for you. After all, there is no shame in being a cat person! If you have any questions about sizing dog doors, contact our Customer Service, we are always happy to help or call 888-PETDOOR.

A: The holidays are right around the corner and that means delicious treats and once-a-year meals we all enjoy. We may be tempted to share some of our holiday feast with our pup pals, especially the coveted bones. However, some bones are not a good idea. In fact, they can be dangerous and cause serious injury to your pet. The safety of bones is a hotly debated topic among dog owners and veterinarians, especially in the raw dog food community. This school of thought believes dogs should eat only eat raw meat, bones, vegetables, and fruit and avoid processed dog food. There are, however, some basics that all dog lovers agree on to keep our pets healthy and safe. Universal Tips About Bone Safety for Dogs: Dogs should only be given raw chicken, turkey, beef or lamb bones. Cooked bones have a higher tendency to splinter and crack increasing the likelihood of causing an internal perforation or tear. Never give your dog a cooked bone from the family dinner! Do not leave your dog unattended while eating. Take the bone away after 10-15 minutes and put it in the refrigerator. Any raw food has the potential for salmonella and E. coli exposure. Dispose of the bone after 3-4 days. Not all veterinarians agree on the exact rules to follow regarding bones and safety. Many veterinarians caution against giving dogs bones at all and warn the only bones safe for dogs are uncooked bones, larger than their head. If you are looking for an absolute way to protect your furry friend, do not give your dog a bone. There is always a risk of choking. Your vet will be able to best advise you on their recommendations and answer any questions you may have. You, ultimately, will need to decide what you are comfortable with feeding your dog. Additional Thoughts on Bones Safe for Dogs: Only give your dog a bone it is impossible for them to swallow. Don’t feed your dog pork or rib bones as they are more likely to splinter. Give your dog a bone after a meal when they are less hungry and not as likely to eat the whole thing. Do not give a dog who’s had dental work a bone. Bones with marrow should not be given to a dog with pancreatitis. Bones given to your dog should be smooth to the touch. Rough edges are hard on the mouth, gums and teeth. Bones can be a delightful treat for your pet and most vets and other experts agree there are bones safe for dogs to enjoy. If you have any doubts or concerns, be sure to talk to your vet and make the decision right for you and your pet. Holiday treats should be just that, a treat, and not cause stress or worry. As we all prepare for the busy holiday season, PlexiDor Dog Doors hopes we all find a little less stress and more convenience in our daily routines. Allowing your pet the freedom to come and go outside as they need may be of help at this time. Whether this year has us home more than usual or the end of year hustle and bustle keeps us away from home a bit more, it helps to know the dog isn’t waiting by the back door, needing to go out. A PlexiDor Dog Door can provide the convenience dogs and dog owners alike are looking for. Contact us or call 888-PETDOOR to answer any questions. We are always happy to help!

A: Richard Nixon through Ronald Reagan The 70s and 80s president’s dogs saw the end of the Vietnam war, the launch of reusable shuttles to space and the worst stock market crash since the Great Depression.  There were many events that altered our way of life and set the course for our future during this time, in addition to the three previously mentioned. Among these events are the voting age was lowered to 18, Watergate, the first personal home computers and the Atari 2600 were released, the Three Mile Island incident, John Lennon was killed, a global recession, Sandra Day O’Connor was seated as the first female Supreme Court Justice, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded and Americans awareness of world hunger, drug trafficking, missing children and drunk driving become epidemic. Between the rise of America’s technological advancements and it’s increasing global awareness, dogs remained the most popular pets in the country.   They provided loyalty and comfort amid presidential scandals and assassination attempts. In fact, Ronald Reagan (1981 – 1989) had a Bouvier des Flandres named Lucky that may have helped him pull through the attempt on his life in 1981. More interesting facts on the 70s and 80s President's dogs… The award to the president with the “most” dogs goes to Ronald Reagan with six. In addition to the Bouvier, he had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Golden Retriever, an Irish Setter, a Siberian Husky, and a Belgian Sheepdog. However, only the Bouvier, Lucky, and the Spaniel, Rex, lived at the White House. The rest stayed on his ranch in California. The “most popular breed” was the Golden Retriever. Gerald Ford (1974 – 1977) had two, a mother and daughter named Liberty and Misty respectively. The “most unpopular breed” was the Border Collie. Jimmy Carter’s (1977 – 1981) daughter, Amy, was given a Collie mix, Grits, by her teacher, but it was returned as it was biting visitors.  The “most presidential” dog, based on her name, was Gerald Ford’s Golden Retriever, Liberty. The “smallest dog” in the White House was Richard Nixon’s Yorkshire Terrier, Pasha. Nixon was also accompanied by a French Poodle, Vicki, and an Irish Setter, King Timahoe. Both Reagan and Ford had dogs with the name Lucky. While Reagan’s was the afore mentioned Bouvier, Ford’s dog was a mixed breed. Jimmy Carter had a very trendy breed of the time period, an Afghan Hound named Lewis Brown. During the 20 years these four presidents were in office, only 8 dogs of their dogs lived in the White House.  The 70s and 80s president’s dogs were a varied lot, ranging in size from a Yorkie to a Golden Retriever and Irish Setter. Had there been a PlexiDor Dog Door at 1600 Pennslyvania Avenue, they would have needed a large size door. Smaller dogs can use the larger door just fine. To find out more about the PlexiDor Dog Door contact us or call 888-PET-DOOR today!

A: Keeping Your Dog Calm During Fireworks on the 4th It can be difficult to keep your dog calm during fireworks on the 4th. For humans, fireworks are a fun, enjoyable part of the 4th of July. It’s a time to gather with family and friends to celebrate and have fun. Unfortunately, the revelry can be a frightening time for dogs across the country disturbed by the loud bangs and thundering booms. How To Keep Dog Calm During Fireworks on the 4th Desensitize Your Dog – To keep your dog calm, get your dog used to the sounds of fireworks. You can play a firework video on YouTube all the while playing with your dog to associate good things with the fireworks. Take it slow, don’t do too much, too fast. Be sure to give your dog a safe space to go to. This may be their crate or moving their bed against an interior wall with the shades drawn. Try turning on a noisy fan or music to drown out the noise from outside. Distract your dog with treats. Any long-lasting treat your pet enjoys works great! A rawhide bone or a KONG dog toy with frozen peanut butter inside are a wonderful, time-consuming snack. There are also some good doggie puzzle toys on the market you may try. Anxiety shirt – this is a vest that wraps around your dog’s torso making them feel safe and secure. You can purchase an anxiety shirt (there are several brands) or there are DIY versions using an ACE bandage. Anti-anxiety herbal supplements and medications – There are several over-the-counter herbal options to calm your stressed pets. Check with your vet to see what they recommend. In extreme cases, your vet may suggest a prescription medication, but this is usually reserved for extreme cases and as a last resort. Just stay home – Not the most fun option for you, but perhaps the best to keep your dog calm is simply staying home. Your dog will be happiest if their human is with them for comfort during their distress. Most importantly, Keep Your Dog In – Many dogs, in their fear, will panic and run on the night of the fourth. Plan to keep your dog inside and supervise their potty trips, just to be safe. Don’t forget to shut or block off the dog door. This task is easy with a PlexiDor dog door. They come with a security cover for just this type of situation. Also, double check the information on their tags and microchip database are up to date. The fourth of July doesn’t need to be a stressful time for your dog or for you, worrying about your dog. There are some simple solutions to making this a great holiday for everyone!

A: Some summer treats we enjoy are foods toxic for the dog. Dogs are more than just our pets, they are part of our families. As such, we want to give them the best care we can, including maintaining their health and happiness. Some foods we eat without issue can be harmful, even fatal, for our four-legged friends. Here is a list of human foods to keep away from your dog to protect them from unnecessary harm and potential health problems. Foods Toxic For the Dog Avocado, in season in summer, contains persin, a toxin generally harmless to humans. However, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and should be avoided. Alcohol seems obvious to avoid giving to your pooch. Dogs feel the effects much more than humans and small amounts can lead to death. Onions, garlic and chives are all in the Allium family of plants and highly toxic to dogs. They cause stomach irritation and potential anemia. Onion poisoning, often, only occurs after a few days of your dog eating the vegetable. Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs, although what the exact toxic component is, is unknown. Ingestion of grapes can lead to kidney failure. Ice cream, a warm weather favorite, is a problem for dogs in two ways. The dairy may be an issue if your dog is lactose intolerant and ice cream is high in sugar. Both lead to stomach upset and diarrhea. Cherries, another summer seasonal fruit, have cyanide in the skin and pit. Humans are able to avoid the pit and the levels in the skin don’t affect humans. The toxin levels are too high for dogs to consume without consequences. Salt and salty snacks are easier for dogs to get their snouts on as they drop on the ground by clumsy fingers at BBQs and parks. Unfortunately, they can cause excessive thirst and urination. Salt also may cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. These foods are toxic to the dog and not safe to share with your pet. Keeping these foods away from your dog will ensure their continued health and happiness. If you’re a dog owner who likes to share with your pet, there are many human foods good for your dog. In fact, many fruits and vegetables are especially healthy for your dog. Keep an eye out for another article to explore healthy human foods for your pup! Everyone here at Plexidor Dog Doors wishes you and your pets a safe and active lifestyle!

A: Some dogs are better suited to cold climates than others. Even though equipped with long fur, many dogs aren’t prepared for artic temperatures at all. It takes more than long fur to keep out the cold. We’ve put together a list of the best dogs suited for cold weather. Here are the 10 Best Dogs for Cold Weather in Order of Most Popular in 2019… German Shepherd German Shepherds are herding, guarding and police work dogs. They are strong and agile hard workers with lots of energy and they learn quickly. This breed can suffer from hip dysplasia though, so be sure to buy from a credible breeder. The German Shepherd is ranked number 2 in overall popularity for 2019. Siberian Husky From Northeast Asia, the Siberian Husky was bred to pull sleds. They have a thicker coat than most dogs made up of a velvety, soft undercoat and a longer, coarse topcoat. They require lots of exercise to stay mentally and physically fit and are very vocal. They are intelligent, outgoing and friendly but more of a pack animal than a family pet. The Siberian Husky ranked 15th in popularity for 2019. Bernese Mountain Dog The Bernese Mountain Dog from Switzerland is a gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog, able to carry heavy loads. They have good endurance for long walks and hikes, although they have low exercise needs. When active, they are endowed with strength, speed and agility. The Bernese Mountain Dog ranks 23rd in popularity overall. Newfoundland The Newfoundland can weigh upwards of 150 lbs. as adults. They have been used and are still used today in water rescues. Their thick fur and hefty bodies are made to handle harsh artic conditions of bone chilling water. They possess a calm nature and are great with kids. They make a wonderful family pet as they are affectionate, loyal and faithful. The Newfoundland ranked 40th in popularity overall. Shiba Inu The Shiba Inu from Japan is a muscular, sturdy dog with a double coat of thick fur. One of the six spitz breeds, they are a small, alert dog originally bred for hunting. They are known to be confident, spirited, vocal and ready to explore, often described to “romp”. They are ranked 45th on the 2019 popularity chart. Saint Bernard The Saint Bernard comes from the Swiss Alps and was long used to locate lost travelers during snowstorms. These dogs have a reputation as being one of the best dogs for cold weather and a rescue dog for avalanche victims. They make great family pets as they are known for their devotion to humans, especially children. They are very large dogs; weighing in between 120 – 200 lbs. They are super affectionate and have low activity needs. The Saint Bernard ranked 48th in overall popularity in 2019. Alaskan Malamute The Alaskan Malamute is the largest of the Alaskan sled dogs. While this dog looks similar to the Siberian Husky, it is distinctive by its longer coat and larger size. They are native to Alaska and make great pets for places with cold weather. They enjoy spending time with humans and are loyal to their owners. They were bred to haul heavy loads in a team of other dogs, run and roam. They are ranked 64th. Great Pyrenees The Great Pyrenees was used to herd livestock in France and were once referred to as the Royal Dog of France. They are big dogs, weighing in at 80-120 lbs. as adults. They love the winter and their thick double coat with a long outer coat protects them from artic climates. While their independent and hard-working nature make them wonderful working dogs, they are also good family dogs as they are affectionate, gentle and patient. They came in ranked 69th on the Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2019 list. Keeshond The Keeshond was originally bred as guard dogs for the river boats in Holland. They are a medium sized dog, very friendly and feisty. Their thick double coat, with a downy undercoat, keeps them warm in cold and damp conditions. They learn quickly and make a good family pet for an active family, as they need lots of exercise. They are ranked 88th. Norwegian Elkhound The Norwegian Elkhound is an elk hunting dog from Norway dating back to Nordic times. They are agile, with high endurance and need lots of exercise. They have a double coat with a smooth outer coat and wooly undercoat, which causes extreme shedding in the spring. They make good protection animals. The Norwegian Elkhound comes in ranked 93rd in popularity and rounds out our list. All ten of our best dogs for cold weather made the top 100 of the most popular dogs list in 2019. Some of these dogs are high energy, hunting or sledding dogs and some are lower energy and better at hauling heavy loads or locating lost travelers. One thing all of these dogs have in common is a double coat of fur which keeps them protected from artic temperatures. This makes them a good choice as a pet for cold climates. They may not be happy in a hot, dry area though, so consider carefully your living conditions when choosing a breed. PlexiDor Dog Doors has a convenient solution for access to the outdoors for any of these amazing dogs. From the Saint Bernard at upwards of 200 lbs. to the Shiba Inu at 20 lbs, we have a dog door right for your pet. Contact our Customer Service department today or call 888-PETDOOR with any questions. We are always happy to help!

A: Camping With the Dog Can Be a Blast It’s always fun to be able to go on vacation, and maybe this year your plans include camping with the dog. Our family goes every year and we look forward to including our chocolate lab in the festivities. She’s been going with us since the first year we brought her home. However, we first tested that she knew a few basic commands before we took her with us. Without these few “basics”, the trip wouldn’t be pleasant for us, the dog, or our fellow campers. In fact, most campgrounds will have specific rules around dogs visiting that require these basic commands. Your dog should be able to walk on a leash and be comfortable being on a leash during the day for their safety. Many campgrounds require dogs to be kept on leashes anyway. Also, important is for your dog to come to you when called and to be quiet when asked. Once you’ve checked that your dog can handle the leash requirement, be able to come when called and stop barking on demand, you are ready to further consider camping with your pooch. If you’re taking the dog out for the first time, try to imagine your dog camping. Do you think he would have a good time? How does she feel about being dirty? Does he have tender feet? Do unfamiliar situations stress her out? Also, call ahead and verify the campground is dog friendly. Scrambling to find a new, last-minute campsite could start your vacation off on the wrong foot. Off We Go, Camping With the Dog… It’s important to take “camping” gear specifically for your dog. The same items seem to apply whether you’re tent camping or going in an RV. Just add a few things, and you’ll be ready to take your dog along and make the trip a success for both of you. These items are inclusive for just about any dog. You may find some dogs don’t require all of these things, like a jacket and booties. Customize the list for your dog’s needs. Pet first aid kit complete with antiseptic, vet wrap, tick removal tool, and tweezers. Even if you have these items in your “people” first aid kit, it’s nice to have a separate one for the dog Vaccine records Collar with ID tags and emergency number and a harness if you like Current photo and a list of emergency contacts Sleeping pad, blanket or bed Food and water bowls and enough food/water for the trip plus a little extra Doggie treats Leash and long line or dog pen for the day Poop bags Dog brush and waterless pet wash Toys Dog friendly bug spray Jacket for cool nights and/or cooling pad for hot days Dog booties or paw wax to protect feet from the rough ground Now you’re ready to go camping with the dog! You have planned ahead and packed appropriately. Once you get to your destination you and the dog will settle into a rhythm. The dog will want to be with you during the day, either lounging at camp, hiking, boating, swimming or sightseeing. Try to plan dog-friendly activities. If you can’t take the dog with you, he can stay in the RV, provided it stays cool and comfortable. However, a tent is not a safe place for the dog to stay during the day. At night, the dog can sleep with you in the RV or in the tent. Remember to take their bed or blanket so they are comfortable and familiar with their sleeping quarters. Your pet may surprise you with their choice of sleeping arrangements in the great outdoors. Our dog always chooses to sleep outside, right next to the camper, on the ground, beside her blanket. She truly likes to “rough it” when she goes camping. Every dog has their own level of comfort. The most important tip when going camping with the dog, have fun! Remember, it’s a vacation for both of you. There are a thousand new smells and discoveries just around the corner. Although your dog may be excited to go on a “ride”, he may be a little nervous once you get there. Take it slow and you’re sure to have a great time! PlexiDor Dog Doors encourages all dog owners to get out and explore safely this year. Be adventurous and have fun!

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.