We all love our pups, they’re the best, even when they give our doors a little scratchy-scratchy.
Unfortunately, that scratchy-scratchy comes with a cost like needing to repair or replace the damaged doors, as well as the heartache of knowing that your furry friend needs some assistance.
Keep in mind, I am not a veterinarian or animal behavior expert, I’m a door dude and I like to research, so that’s what you’re getting here: an amalgamation of my internet research to help you decide the best way to get your dog(s) to stop scratching your door(s).
When dogs scratch doors, it can be a sign of bigger problems like feeling anxious when alone, getting bored, or not getting enough exercise and fun activities.
To fix this, you might need to try several things such as training your dog, adding more fun things for them to do, and possibly making some changes to your home. These steps can help protect your doors and make your dog happier.
But remember, what works can differ for each dog, so you may need to find specific ways that best help your pet.
Understanding Dog Scratching at Doors
Understanding why dogs scratch doors is important if you want to stop this behavior.
Dogs often scratch doors because they want to be with you or need to go outside to use the bathroom. They might also scratch if they hear strange noises that make them curious or scared, and they want to check it out or run away.
If a dog feels anxious when alone, it might scratch the door to feel closer to you or other family members.
Knowing why your dog scratches the door is the first step in helping them feel better and stopping them from scratching. Separation anxiety is a common reason for dogs to scratch at doors when left alone.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
To make sure dogs are happy and healthy, it’s important to keep their minds and bodies active through dog exercises and other forms of physical stimulation. Giving them things to do helps prevent bad behaviors like scratching doors. For example, puzzle toys that give treats when solved can be fun and challenging for them. Incorporating a variety of chew toys can also provide mental stimulation, preventing boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors.
Also, dogs need regular exercise that fits their age and breed. This might include running through an agility course, playing fetch, or using dog doors to allow them easy access to the outdoors for burning off energy. You can also teach them new tricks or make simple obstacle courses at home for them to navigate.
These activities help keep their brains sharp and their bodies strong, making them happy and well-behaved pets.
Managing Anxiety and Boredom
Managing stress and boredom in dogs is important to stop them from scratching doors and other unwanted behaviors. These feelings can make dogs act out. Here are some simple ways to help your dog:
- Regular Exercise: Make sure your dog gets enough exercise for their breed and age. This helps use up extra energy and reduces stress.
- Mental Stimulation: Use puzzle toys, training, and games to keep your dog’s mind active and interested.
- Consistent Routine: Keep a regular daily schedule for feeding, walking, playing, and resting. A regular routine can help calm your dog.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for calm behavior and not scratching. Use treats, praise, or toys to encourage and reinforce these positive behaviors, especially to manage anxiety and boredom effectively.
Alternative Scratching Outlets
While solving a dog’s boredom and stress is key, it’s also crucial to give them other places to dog scratch to keep your doors safe. You can set up scratching posts or mats made just for dogs to help them scratch in the right spot. These help protect your doors and satisfy your dog’s natural urge to scratch. Pick strong materials like tough fabrics or sturdy cardboard.
Put these scratch-friendly items near the spots they scratch a lot so they can easily find them. Also, playing more games like tug-of-war or fetch with your dog can use up their extra energy, making them less likely to scratch where they shouldn’t. Always give your dog praise and treats when they use these new scratching spots to encourage good behavior.
Using Deterrent Sprays
Deterrent sprays can help stop dogs from scratching doors. These sprays have smells that dogs don’t like, but they are usually okay for people. The right spray can discourage scratching by making the door less appealing to the dog with an unpleasant taste.
When using deterrent sprays, keep in mind:
- Pick the Right Spray: Choose sprays made just for pets, making sure they are safe and not harmful.
- Use Often: Keep using the spray often to make sure it works well, especially on places your dog scratches a lot.
- Train Your Dog: Sprays can help stop scratching, but it’s good to teach your dog what behaviors are right. This can help solve why they scratch, like feeling anxious or bored.
Installing Dog Doors
To help stop your dogs from scratching doors, think about putting in a dog door. This lets them go outside by themselves. It makes them less upset about being stuck inside and also stops them from damaging your doors.
Pick a dog door that fits your pet’s size and keeps your home safe. You can either install the dog door yourself with a kit or have a professional do it, depending on what you feel comfortable with. Choose a spot for the door that is easy for your dog to get to and keeps your home safe.
With the right training, your dog can learn to use their new door well. This will make your pet happier and keep your doors free from scratches.
Introducing Gates or Crates
Using gates or crates can help control where your dog can go and stop them from scratching doors. These barriers are a good way to set limits kindly but clearly. Here’s how to do it:
- Pick the Right Size: Make sure the gate or crate fits your dog well. It shouldn’t be too small or too big, so your dog is comfortable and can’t get out easily.
- Good Placement: Put the gates or crates in places that keep your dog away from doors but still let them be near the family.
- Make It Positive: When you start using the gate or crate, give your dog treats and toys they like. This helps your dog feel good about the new setup and less stressed.
Author and Insights
The author works at the highest rated residential door service company in America, and knows a lot about how dogs behave and how to take care of them well. They have learned a lot from their job and from having their own dogs, a mini-Aussie named Picasso and a Corgi named Bentley.
This experience helps them give useful advice to dog owners who are trying to solve common problems like when a dog scratches at the door. In this article, the author gives helpful tips and talks in a way that is easy to understand. This helps each dog owner learn how to take better care of their dogs and make their lives better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Repair a Door That My Dog Has Scratched?
To fix a door that a dog has scratched, follow these steps:
- Begin by sanding the scratched part to make it smooth.
- Put wood filler in the big scratches and wait for it to dry as the label says.
- After it dries, sand it again so it’s even with the rest of the door.
- Finally, paint or stain the door to make it look like it did before.
This method makes the door look good again.
Are Certain Breeds More Prone to Scratching Doors?
Some dog breeds tend to scratch doors more than others because they have a lot of energy or strong instincts to protect their area.
Breeds like Border Collies and Huskies, which are very active, or German Shepherds, which are very protective, might scratch doors to show they want to go outside or do something active.
Giving them the right training and enough exercise can help stop this behavior.
Can Weather Influence My Dog’s Desire to Scratch at Doors?
Weather can change how a dog acts, and this includes scratching at the door. If the weather gets bad, like during a storm or when it’s very hot or cold, a dog might feel uncomfortable or scared. This might make them scratch at doors because they want to come inside or get some comfort.
Watching how your dog acts when the weather changes and making them feel safe and comfortable can help stop this behavior.
What Should I Do if My Dog Scratches at Doors at Night?
If your dog scratches at doors at night, they might need more play and exercise during the day. They could also feel anxious. Try to give them more activities to do and think about making a cozy sleeping spot close to where you sleep.
Making sure they are tired and feel safe when it’s time to sleep can help stop this behavior, so you and your dog can have a quiet night.
How Can I Tell if Door Scratching Is a Sign of a Health Issue?
To find out if your dog’s door scratching is because of a health problem, watch for other signs like too much licking, difficulty walking, or not eating well. Check if your dog is scratching more often or more forcefully than before.
A vet can check your dog to see if there’s a health issue causing this behavior. Regular vet visits can spot these issues early.
Conclusion
I hope this has helped solve your question of “how to keep dog from scratching door”, you need to make sure they are well taken care of and have enough things to do. Give them fun toys to play with, take them out for plenty of exercise, and help them feel calm with regular routines.
You can also use barriers and safe products to keep them away from doors. By doing these things, you not only become a great door protector, but also make your dogs happier and healthier. Ensuring your dog is tired through ample exercise and mental stimulation is crucial, as a tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors like scratching doors.
