Installing a Pet Doorbell

Want to make sure that you always know when your dog is asking to go outside? All you need to do is install a pet doorbell!

There are a variety of different styles of pet doorbells, the pad where your dog steps on it when he wants to go out. The wireless collar that dings whenever the dog gets within three feet of the door.  But the best and easiest pet doorbell is the traditional doorbell that your dog can ring with his paw or nose.

I recommend the Smart Doggie Doorbell.

All you will need to install your pet doorbell is a hook or nail and a hammer, it is that simple.  Holding your pet doorbell up to the wall next to the door, measure how far down you will need the doorbell to be so your dog can nudge it with his nose or paw. Mark the spot where you will need to hammer in the nail or hook that the doorbell will hang on. Install the nail or hook. Once this is done, all you need to do is hang your pet doorbell.

Here are some tips for training your dog to use it the doggie doorbell, you may need to customize these for your device, but the basics are there. 

Installing your New Door

First check the door frame to make sure it's square and level. Measure the width and height of the door and record the dimensions. Once you have the dimensions, remove the hinge pins and slide the door out of the hinges.
Transfer your measurements to the new door and then use a circular saw to trim the bottom if necessary. You will want to clamp the door to a bench and wear a dust mask and safety glasses when using the circular saw.
Once your door is the correct size you may fit the new door into the frame and raise it into position using shims.  Mark the locations for the hinges using a combination square and utility knife. Remove the door and clamp it back on the workbench. 
Extend the marks for the hinge positions across the side of the door and line up the template for the hinges with the marks on the door.  Next secure the template with a couple of nails.
You will then cut mortises for hinges with a router and use a corner cutter and a chisel to carve away the rounded corners of the mortises to fit the square hinges.
Once this is done you can fit the new hinges and carefully tap them into place with a hammer. Pre-drill holes with a center-finding drill bit and lock down the hinges with screws.
You are now ready to hang the door in place and secure the hinge pins. 
Now mark the location of the strike plates and drill the holes for the hardware using a keyhole drilling jig. Use a mortise punch to punch out the general shape of the latch, and then use a chisel to remove the material. Repeat the process for the deadbolt.
Install lock hardware according to manufacturer's instructions and don't forget to replace the doorbell to round out the new look.  We found 1800Doorbell.com to be a nice place to find the right fit for your new door.