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Adding a doggie door can allow a burglar access to knobs and locks on your door. If your pet door doesn’t come with an alarm, you can add a weight sensor alarm that will trip if anything heavier than your pet enters through it. Adding a motion sensor light to the room your pet door is in can also help deter burglars.

Security experts recommend deadbolt locks as the most secure option for a house's exterior or entry doors. Deadbolts provide the best security because they can prevent most types of forced entry and are harder to lockpick. Common types include the standard single-cylinder deadbolt, which is often found on front doors. For enhanced security, you can opt for a double-cylinder deadbolt, which requires a key to operate from both the inside and the outside.

Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.

The best place to install a dog door is on an exterior door that leads to a fenced-in area of your rear yard. This position will let your dog go in and out as they need and still keep them safe in your yard when they’re outside. You should plan on installing the bottom of the doggie door a minimum of 3 inches above the bottom of your exterior door to maintain the structural integrity of the door, and never cut out a hole within 3 inches of exterior door glass.