Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am a contractor and will occasionally be asked to install a doggie door for a customer. I always suggest that they purchase an Ideal "Ruff-Weather" doggie door. (The price here on Amazon is the lowest I have found) I have even installed this product at my own home. This doggie door set is a heavy-duty quality product. It comes with a nice template which is easy to use. I must say however, that when you use the template, sometimes the round screw holes (which have been pre-punched) are sometimes off from the ink circle. If they are off, do not use the pre-punched holes. Rather, put tape on the back of each to hold them in place and use the ink printed holes as your guides. I also like this product because you are able to purchase a matching "pet door wall kit" to be used when you use it through a wall. It is a real time saver and you can skip the step of having to build one yourself. A few other tips...If you are going through just a door, then installing this doggie door will be a piece of cake. If you are going through a wall, it will be a challenge. Take your time. Be sure there are no electrical wires which may be in the way of your intended hole. I do this by using a stud finder which also alerts you if there is electricity near by. (a good investment in a tool) I also cut a test hole through the drywall below the center of the intended opening to feel around inside the wall to be sure everything is clear with no wires or other surprises. Worst case is that the small hole would need to be patched if there were any surprises inside that area. It's also extremely important and a real challenge to be sure everything lines up...your large opening and the four holes for the screws. I added a couple photos to show you how I come as close as possible to lining up the inside and outside templates. Use a small level when drilling the center hole through the wall. The cutting of the long screws (which are included with the pet door wall kit) is something you should do with the help of a vice to hold the screws securely when you cut them. I once tried doing it on the tailgate of my truck and it was tough without the ability to hold the screw securely. What I do, which is shown in one of the photos, is to use a corresponding nut on the long screw to "clean up" the threads on the end of the long bolt after it is cut (a trick I learned a long time ago). One last note: From my own experience, I have learned that a dog will have a difficult time learning to go through a double flap doggie door, so I suggest to my customers to tie up the inside flap until the dog gets used to going through one flap, then let the other flap down. It will speed up the learning curve for the dog. We use very small treats, one person on the inside of the house and the other on the outside of the house...tempting the little guy back and forth until it gets the idea. Once again...take your time. If you are going through a stucco wall, be sure you have the right tools and DO NOT be in a rush with this project.