Frequently Asked Questions

A: The New Guinea Singing Dog has been called a living, breathing, furry, and four-legged fossil. This breed is believed to be the rarest in the world and was local to New Guinea until 1957 when the first dogs left the island. Besides being rare, the dogs are also primitive in the sense that they were separated from all other dog breeds thousands - maybe even tens of thousands - years ago, and have developed virtually undisturbed. The dogs have adapted well to living as pets. They are agile, active, graceful, and alert. They are known to be affectionate with people they know, and they are both curious and clever. Being so close to the wild, they also have a strong hunting instinct, and they require a lot of exercise. They can climb trees, jump, and dig, so any yard must be very well secured. So, what's with the singing? The name comes from their melodious and distinctive howl. These dogs have a dramatic ability to vary the pitch. If they howl in a group, all the dogs will strike a different pitch. It sounds like a choir! They don't bark a lot, but are still quite vocal.

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A: Electronic dog doors take the convenience of a dog door a step further and provides the security of only opening when your pet needs to use it. The PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door is only triggered to open when your pet approaches wearing the state-of-the-art RFID technology key, clipped onto the collar of your dog or cat. The collar key automatically reads the pre-programmed code to open and close the door, allowing your pet access while keeping other animals out. https://youtu.be/A02KLkm0FGc There are three waterproof collars keys included with your electronic dog door; each collar key weighs less than an ounce. The keys securely clip onto your dog’s collar and no batteries are required. The length of time the door stays open is adjustable to suite your needs. Then, the dead bolt automatically locks to ensure the security of your home through a ¼ inch steel deadbolt locking system. The unit can be plugged into a standard household power outlet or can be directly hard wired. The heavy-duty aluminum frame and composite panel door are built to last. There will never be a need for replacement flaps again. The PlexiDor electronic dog doors can be installed in an exterior house door or a stud, brick, block or cement wall up to 12 inches thick. An aluminum tunnel is included with the door to connect the interior and exterior frame on the wall unit models.  PlexiDor has installers in all 50 states and Canada. The PlexiDor Electronic is available in bronze and white for both the door and wall applications and will accommodate dogs up to 125 pounds. The units are manufactured in the United States. The PlexiDor Electronic Series has a 5-year residential warranty. All our PlexiDor products include a 90 day money back guarantee. Contact us anytime via email or call our Customer Service department. They are happy to assist with questions Monday through Friday 8AM – 5PM EST at 888-PETDOOR.

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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!