Has anyone got a dog flap- would you recommend it?

[FiveHoursSleep]

We have two large dogs, as well as a couple of cats. We have a cat flap but the stupid dogs keep breaking it and the other day the lurcher got her head stuck in it and almost choked herself.
We've taped it up now but it means that the dogs and cats need to be let in and out, so we are contemplating a dog flap- we'd need a large one, but would cats be able to use it?
We'd like one we could lock when we are out walking the dogs, and are happy to get someone in to install it.
Are they a good idea or are they the worst thing you've ever done?

I had one years ago for my first dog. I had to get a dog flap because she destroyed the cat flap that was in the house when I bought it and increased the apperture herself by chewing and squeezing herself in and out! She was extremely cunning and used to escape from the garden when I was at work and return home in time for me not to find out ( for a while ) so be sure your fences are secure. My lodger at the time had cats but I can't recall them using the dog door, they might have done but I think they preferred to use the kitchen window.

My neighbour used to have one for her labrador and their cat used it too!

We've had a dog flap for years (medium-sized but I've seen two labs squeeze through it at the same time). The cat happily uses it too.

Before we had it, we used to leave the back door open all day regardless of whether we were home so the animals always have access to the garden so the dog-flap is a big improvement. The dog is in and out like a yo-yo so there is no way I would be letting her in and out all day.

Also, we (well DH) installed it ourselves- it was ever so simple.

If you have one, could you let me know what kind it is please?

If you are worried about installing it and have a Upvc door then the whole panel will usually come out (remove beading around edge) and you put the dog flap in a piece of wood that fits back in the door.