How Do I Stop My Dog From Scratching The Door?

Like most new or old dog owners, you may be wondering why your dog constantly seems to want to gnaw, chew or scratch at your doors. More importantly, you likely struggle to figure out how to get him to stop from doing so!

Alas, you're not alone, as this is an age-old problem that most pet parents have faced. We adore our furry companions beyond belief, we just don't love the damage they can cause to our doors, door jambs and other part of our homes.

Fortunately, there is a solution!

First you must understand exactly why he or she is scratching; then you can move forward with positive training to curb this behavior and prevent further damage to your home, as well as to their nails, teeth, gums and digestive systems.

It's a win-win; your dog gets what he wants without having to continuously scratch for awareness and your home remains damage-free.

Why Do Dogs Scratch Doors?

If your dog scratches a door when he's outside, it clearly a sign he or she is trying to get your attention so they can return inside, and vice versa. As dog lovers, we know that we spend the majority of our days letting our dogs out, then letting them back in a few moments later, then letting them back out... and so on ad nauseam.

If your dog is inside and is scratching at the door, they could be scratching because:

They want to go outside to go potty.
They hear a noise outside and they want to investigate.
They are bored.
They are experiencing dog separation anxiety.
They just want attention.

A dog that communicates through scratching should be taught other ways to communicate that do not include them causing damage to the house.

Even more, when your dog scratches, they can also cause damage themselves. They could break his or her nails or get wood splinters in their paw pads. If they scratch a door enough, they often start to gnaw on the damaged wood, which may cause damage to their intestines if swallowed.

4 Tips To Prevent Dog Scratching Damage

If your dog scratches when they have to go to the bathroom, teach them other methods of communication, like ringing a bell or approaching you before running toward the door. As a responsible pet owner, it's your responsibility to determine what works best for both you and your dog to communicate.

Also, if you don't already understand his methods of communication, it's important to learn about body language so you can understand what he has to say.

Intall A Doggy Door

Install a doggy door if you don't already have one. A doggy door isn't ideal for all dog owners, particularly if you live in an area where racoons, coyotes, or other wildlife might use the door to gain access to your home. Or, if your doggy door does not lead to a fenced-in yard, your dog can run away and get lost, so this may not be a viable option for you.

Create A Barrier To Prevent Dog Scratching

A baby gate or other barrier that prevents your dog from reaching a door entrance can prove helpful. But, one of the main drawbacks to this option is it makes getting to the door more difficult for both you and your dog. And, the barrier you've put in your dog's way could just become another thing for him to scratch in order to get to the door.

Establish A Scheduled Routine

Create a schedule for your dog. If your dog scratches because they have to to go outside to go potty, keep track of their habits and anticipate their need to go outside before they begin to scratch. You would be surprised at how far a simple routine can go.

Not only will a routine help you understand when your dog needs to go outside, but it also lets them know when it's time to go tee-tee, whish, tinkle or whichever endearing term you use with your pup.

Dogs can't tell time of course, but they do understand routine!

Install a Clawguard Door Protector

Our door protectors are an excellent option while you're training your dog and learning his methods of communication. Even a trained dog may scratch at a door if he or she experiences separation anxiety. So, a CLAWGUARD shield can come in handy, both while training and while you're away from home.

More important for your pup, our door shields will protect both your home and your dog from harm if he or she has a habit of scratching incessantly.

If your dog is experiencing severe separation anxiety, you should consult with your veterinarian and/or a Canine Behaviorist to determine a strategy for reducing anxiety and boredom.

With time, patience and understanding you can help your dog stop scratching your doors and your home while also protecting them!

CLAWGUARD builds shields that help protect homes from dog damage and cat damages. Products include door shields, couch guards, and universal protective tape that protects commonly scratched areas like window sills, furniture, banisters, weatherstripping and more. Check us out on Amazon and read our many FIVE STAR reviews!

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