1. Get a pet door with magnetic strips to hold the door shut. In colder climates, you might want to consider a "double door" where the outer door must close before the inner one opens. This cuts down on the drafts.
2. Size is deceptive. Dogs don't really need as much space as you might think to get in and out.
3. Installation is usually very easy. Some models fit into patio doors and are removable. Make sure the door is lockable.
4. The wall between your garage and house is considered a "fire wall" and should not have any holes in it. In particular, making a hole in this wall could make fire insurance claims tricky.
5. Install the door in such a place as to make it impossible for a person to crawl through or use it to open the door. Ideally, you should have some way of locking or disabling the door for times when you are not at home.
6. Some electronic pet doors are activated by a special collar. Most of these are for cats, but there are models for dogs up to 110 lbs. These help keep unwanted animals from entering your house.
7. Some dogs need coaxing to use the door. Prop the door open and offer a treat from the other side. Don't try to push the dog through.

Content provided by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Water Tips

·         Avoid rivers with strong currents or keep your dog on a long line.

·         Avoid water that is stagnant or that has algae on it.

·         Never let your dogs swim in small ponds constructed to drain water from housing developments or ponds at golf courses. Lots of parasites live in those ponds.

·         After each swim, rinse you dog off in clean water.

·         Give your dog time to play around in shallow areas and bring floatable toys and treats that float.

·         End the water workout before your dog becomes overtired.