How to Make a Dog Door (From Scratch): DIY Guide for Doors, Walls, and Temporary Solutions

A homemade dog door can make life easier for you and far more fun for your dog. No more waiting at the door. No more nose smudges on the glass.

But how to make a dog door? With a few tools and a little planning, you can build a safe, neat door that works for nearly any home. This guide walks you through each step so you can choose the method that fits your space and your skill level.

Essential Planning: Foundation for Any DIY Dog Door

Before cutting anything, take time to plan. Good planning saves you from expensive mistakes and wonky openings.

Accurate Sizing: Measuring Your Dog for a Safe Fit

A dog door should match your dog, not guesswork. Grab a measuring tape and check three things:

• Measure shoulder height and add an inch or two.
• Measure chest width at the widest point and add room for comfort.
• Measure step-over height so the bottom of the door stays low enough.

A pet door that’s too small makes dogs nervous. A puppy door that’s too tall becomes a hurdle.

Choosing the Right Location

Picking the right spot makes everything easier. Think about where your dog naturally goes and where you want them to end up outside.

Follow these steps:

1. Pick a swinging door, interior wall, or screen door.
2. Check for wiring or plumbing behind the spot.
3. Make sure there’s good clearance on both sides.
4. Choose a place your dog already approaches naturally.

Preparing for Security and Weatherproofing

A dog door should open for your pet, not for the wind or anything wandering inside. You can boost security and comfort with simple additions.

Use this quick checklist:

1. Add magnets along the bottom for closure.
2. Install weather stripping around the edges.
3. Add insulation if building through a wall.
4. Use a latch or lock for nighttime.

Step-by-Step DIY Installation in a Swinging Door

Most people start with a regular door because it’s the simplest place to cut.

Tools and Materials Checklist

Gather everything first so you're not hunting for tools halfway through.

• Jigsaw
• Drill
• Pencil
• Measuring tape
• Sandpaper
• Screws
• Scrap wood
• Weather stripping
• Flap material
• Safety glasses and gloves

Marking, Drilling, and Cutting the Opening

Follow these steps to make a clean opening:

1. Mark your measurements on the door.
2. Add painter’s tape around the rectangle.
3. Drill a hole in each corner.
4. Cut along the lines with a steady pace.
5. Remove the cutout and check the edges.

If the door is hollow, reinforce it later with a frame.

Building and Securing a Simple Frame

A clean frame makes your project look finished and keeps it sturdy.

Here’s what to do:

1. Cut wood, PVC trim, or metal strips to size.
2. Fit the pieces around the opening.
3. Attach with screws or adhesive.
4. Smooth the edges so nothing catches your dog’s fur.
5. Make sure both sides look even.

Attaching Your Homemade Flap

Your flap should hang freely and close with ease.

1. Hold the flap in place and mark the top edge.
2. Drill pilot holes if using screws.
3. Attach the flap securely.
4. Test it by pushing it open from both sides.
5. Make sure it settles back into place without sticking.

Custom Flap Materials: Making Your Own Durable Flap

The flap in your Standard In-the-Glass Dog Door is what your dog pushes through every day. It should be flexible, strong, and weather-friendly.

Best Low-Cost Materials

Try one of these:

• Clear vinyl
• Thick rubber mat or car mat
• Plastic sheeting

Each one is durable, easy to cut, and simple to replace.

Weatherproofing and Sealing the Flap

You can improve your flap’s seal with a few small upgrades.

1. Add small weights to the bottom.
2. Attach magnetic strips for cleaner closure.
3. Use felt or foam edging to block small drafts.
4. Test the flap by pushing it open several times.
5. Adjust as needed to get a smooth swing.

Flap Attachment Methods

Different materials need different mounting styles.

• Use small hinges for heavy rubber or mats.
• Use retainer bars and screws for vinyl.
• Use heavy-duty adhesive for soft materials.
• Test the movement before tightening everything.
• Make sure the flap hangs straight.

DIY Solutions for Specific Door and Wall Types

Not every home uses the same entry point. Here are the best methods based on the surface you're working with.

DIY Doggie Door for a Screen Door

Screen doors need extra support. Follow these steps:

1. Add a small rigid frame inside the screen.
2. Reinforce edges with screen spline.
3. Cut the opening inside the frame.
4. Attach a lightweight flap or hinges.
5. Check for sagging and tighten as needed.

DIY Dog Door for a Wall

This option takes more prep but gives a clean, permanent result.

1. Find the studs and mark the space between them.
2. Cut drywall on the inside.
3. Cut siding on the outside.
4. Build a tunnel with plywood or PVC boards.
5. Add insulation and seal the outside opening.

Temporary Dog Door for Swinging Doors (Renter-Friendly)

A temporary setup is simple to remove later.

Try one of these:

• Swap your existing door with an inexpensive replacement.
• Hang a magnetic thermal curtain.
• Use a compression-fit panel.
• Attach without drilling.
• Remove cleanly when moving out.

Finishing Touches and Training

Once the MaxSeal PRO High-Grade Aluminum Dog Door is installed, finish things off and help your dog get comfortable.

Safety Checks and Edging

A quick check keeps everything safe.

• Sand any rough spots.
• Seal sharp edges with non-toxic caulk.
• Make sure screws sit flat.
• Check the flap for smooth swing.
• Fix any loose edges or gaps.

Training Your Dog to Use the New Door

Most dogs learn fast with a little encouragement.

1. Hold the flap open at first.
2. Call your dog through with treats.
3. Let the flap rest against their back so they get used to the feeling.
4. Practice a few times in a row.
5. Celebrate each pass to build confidence.

Enjoy Your Dog's Newfound Freedom

A DIY dog door can make your everyday routine smoother. Whether you built one in a door, wall, screen, or temporary panel, your dog now has safe and easy access.

You also get the satisfaction of a project that’s useful, custom, and built with care.

You may also like:

• How To Install Dog Doors In A Door?
• Automatic Dog Doors vs. Traditional Dog Doors: 5 Key Differences
• DIY or Pre-Installed Pet Doors for French Doors: What to Choose?
• How to Lock Your Dog Door: Guide to Securing Flaps, Sliding Doors, and Preventing Intruders
• How to Weatherproof a Dog Door: Guide to Stopping Drafts, Adding Security, and Using Covers