The Puppy Playground

[MsM]

Okay, its not really a playground and they arent really puppies, but the general idea is there…

I have been trying to make sure my house would be okay for me as I “age in place” and also works for my two Cavaliers (the perma-puppies). I hate worrying about getting home in time for their potty break and, though I have a petsitter, wanted to make it easier to care for them safely if I couldnt. So I decided to get a petdoor and outdoor run.

First problem was that the backdoor goes to my deck. Though my yard has stockade fence, I wasnt comfortable leaving them able to be loose in the yard. And there was no good way to fence them in from the door. So that meant a through-the-wall doggie door in the bedroom. Next problem is that the floor level is about three feet above the outside ground level. Ordered door AND a ramp. Then purchased fencing for the run.

A little nervously, I found someone to install it. In spite of upholding the male stereotype of not reading directions,:rolleyes: he eventually got it done! I now have a doggie door and a 5’ by 10’ chainlink run.

Good news! They have actually used it. Okay, they did their three Stooges act a couple of times and tried to go through at the same time, but they went through! Maybe they will eventually get over their idea that I must be up by 6 am…

Anybody else punch holes in their house for their pets?

[Guin]

Pictures! Sounds like a great setup. :yes:

[bits619]

Two of the ‘cat ladies’ in our rescue have indoor/outdoor catteries attached to their houses. The cats have a raised up hole through the wall (higher than the dogs could reach) and it opens to a completely screened in porch area. I think on of theirs has two entrances so that one cat can’t block access to the doorway.

We’ve had a foster dog actually jump out of our kitchen window onto the front porch, and another one jump into the house from the same (small) window… with a screen (sort of) in place. Does that count?

[Kryswyn]

My fiance’ just nixed the sliding door insert because it will prevent our alarm system from setting. Damn. It was on sale too!

[vacation1]

Smart! I wish I could do the same, but there would likely be significant push-back about cutting holes in the house

[MsM]

I’ve got PIX. Still some finishing touches to do but here it is so far:
Outside
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/msmavron/HPIM0572.jpg

And inside
http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad119/msmavron/HPIM0573.jpg

[Big_Grey_hunter]

Nice! You may want to put a mat on the inside, so thy don’t track dirt and water through the house.

[LauraKY]

That’s exactly what I need. We have only one spot to do it, and I’ll have to put in a ramp. In the plans for spring. We’re looking at the ceramic wood look planks for the first floor, so they won’t be coming in on carpet or wood.

[vacation1]

It looks nice! And so handy. The only drawbacks I can see are in very cold/wet weather you might get some wind/rain blowing in, and the possibility of small animals using it as a front door. Is the end panel hinged/a door, for access?

And very cute dogs.

[MsM]

So far it is working well.
The door has two flaps to keep the weather out and each seals with magnets. We will see when the bad weather hits. Fortunately it is on the south side under a good overhang.
Not too worried about unauthorized visitors. The pen outside should keep anything that doesnt burrow under in one night or climb a six foot fence. So our local irritable skunk should not pay us a visit, I hope!
There is a gate at the end of the pen. Need to get a chain and lock for it.