Help me Rudi-proof.

MrsOjoButtons

The door that goes from our mudroom to the garage has a lever-style doorknob and pulls open into the house.

Rudi, being the genius he is, managed to open the door.  I pulled into the driveway after work, opened the garage, and he and Bandit came out to greet me.  Thank God they know not to take off running, but holy crap, my heart was in my throat.

I found covers like this

http://www.amazon.com/KidCo-Lever-Lock-Decorative-Handles/product-reviews/B0009ET8E6/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

but they don't have very good reviews and they're not for use on exterior doors.

I'm terrified that Rudi could get into the garage and Bandit could shut the door, locking him in the heat without a way to escape.  I'm going to kennel them for their own safety until I get this figured out.

DowagerCountessofNJ

Can you put a wedge style door stop under the door to keep him from pulling it open and just use the front door when you come home?  A semi-PITA but that's all I can think of besides the door locks.

Honeydewchestnut

What about something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Door-Guardian-Childproofing-Lock-Colors/dp/B004HEMXXM/ref=pd_sbs_ba_4

SoftSpot

This may sound silly but could you flip the handle so that you have to pull up to open? Is that even possible?

Or change the handles to round. 

SoftSpot

Or maybe those big round plastic balls that go over doors to keep kids in. It has to be squeezed from both sides to open the door. Do they have those to fit your handle?

RDM1024

another vote for changing the doorknob.

or put a baby gate in front of the door on his side. 

LemonLover33

Put a simple bolt at the top of the door. Or a chain so it can't come open. Or change the knob like others said.

NSL

LemonLover33:

Put a simple bolt at the top of the door. Or a chain so it can't come open. Or change the knob like others said.

Ditto this suggestion.

MrsOjoButtons

Business is booming at the hardware store since we moved here.   We replaced the front door handle last week and this one will be done this weekend. 

I busted Bandit licking paint chips off the window sill right after I posted.  He and Rudi are so different.  

ErikandAfton

NSL:

LemonLover33:

Put a simple bolt at the top of the door. Or a chain so it can't come open. Or change the knob like others said.

Ditto this suggestion.

This. Or a baby gate, but I'm assuming since your boys are tall then can jump over it if they get the door open. 

And if you do the chain but it on the garage side so that you have to undo it before coming into the house that way you can still get in from the garage. 

StarJay

ErikandAfton:

And if you do the chain but it on the garage side so that you have to undo it before coming into the house that way you can still get in from the garage. 

I was thinking this but instead of a chain, one of the flip locks, like whats on a hotel door. Easier to manipulate, especially if your hands are full with groceries/stuff coming into the house.

Amaristella

MrsOjoButtons:

Business is booming at the hardware store since we moved here.   We replaced the front door handle last week and this one will be done this weekend. 

I busted Bandit licking paint chips off the window sill right after I posted.  He and Rudi are so different.  

Window licker. One of my cats is like that. Several times a day I have to tell her to quit licking the front of the oven.

I vote change the handle to a round style knob.