Asked on Dec 01, 2013

How can I prevent my bathroom door from being scratched?

Andria
by Andria
We put our 3 pugs in the bathroom over-night or when we will be away from the house for an extended time. When they wake up, they will bark and scratch at the door. The bathroom door's paint is scratched off. I am needed to repaint the bathroom and am wanting to paint the door. Is there any way to protect paint from getting all scratched off the door?
  10 answers
  • Mary Insana Mary Insana on Dec 01, 2013
    Get a piece of thick clear plexiglass plastic and have it cut the width of the door and a little higher than the height your dogs can reach. Drill a hole in each corner and screw it into the door using a washer and a screw so the plexiglass doesn't get little cracks arund the holes when you screw it to the door. I'm pretty sure you can get the plexiglass at Home Depot or Lowes.
  • Through the Dutch Door Through the Dutch Door on Dec 01, 2013
    We put one of those tension baby gates in the door jam on the inside so the door can still close but they can't get to the actual door to scratch.
  • Dawn Ruhl Dawn Ruhl on Dec 01, 2013
    Don't lock the dogs in the bathroom. A very large metal crate is much better, and it is a great "bedroom" and sanctuary for them. I leave ours open when the dogs are all loose when I'm home and always find one dog snoozing in there.
    • Andria Andria on Dec 02, 2013
      @Dawn Ruhl Do you use one crate for more than one dog? We do have two crates, but three dogs. One crate is outside on the porch. We have a small house and space is an issue. I am not sure where we would put two crates. One is in the laundry room, which is adjacent to the bathroom.
  • Linda Franey Linda Franey on Dec 02, 2013
    A metal crate or enclosure for a larger space will not make them feel so confined, Maybe in the kitchen? And lots of toys, Kongs w/ treats inside so they are not bored when left at home.
    • Andria Andria on Dec 02, 2013
      @Linda Franey Only one of our three dogs bother with toys.
  • D Lawless Hardware D Lawless Hardware on Dec 02, 2013
    You just need a kick plate or two. We did this with our dog at home. She "knocks" at the door when she wants in by scratching at the corner of the door. We just put one of these in brass over the spot that she normally scratched (vertically up the right side of the door) and she kept scratching there like nothing happened, problem solved. Doesn't look to bad either. http://www.dlawlesshardware.com/kickplates.html We are out of stock of a few, but wherever you can find them it will make a good solution that won't look horrible. We've got a good price though as you'll see once you shop around if you decide to go for this fix.
    • Andria Andria on Dec 02, 2013
      @D Lawless Hardware I like that idea. I just don't think they will go high enough. They seen to 8" high, if I am correct. They aren't big dogs, but stand on their back legs.
  • Diane Carlisle Diane Carlisle on Dec 02, 2013
    I keep my dog in a large crate when I'm away from home. She seems happier there and doesn't get into things like she would if I left her little nosy self out!
    • Laura Laura on May 11, 2015
      I agree, in fact, our vet suggested it. When we had dogs, we had large crates for them, they each had their own. He said they like a place that they know is their own. We left them open when we were home and they would sleep in them.
  • Debbie Harris Debbie Harris on Dec 02, 2013
    Lowes will cut a stainless metal plate for you just the size you tell them and it's not as expensive as a gate. Initially the plexiglass will look better, but after it's scratched up and slobbered on becomes a mess that you don't have with the metal.
  • Suzette Daniels Suzette Daniels on Jan 17, 2015
    We have two boxers and use a baby gate to keep them contained in one area. We used crates before but it seemed to cause them anxiety. Good luck!
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Jan 17, 2015
    @Andria we use baby gates and closed doors to block the dog from areas of the house we don't want her to access and they are easy to remove and store. The result is that she has access to the kitchen (and can look out into the backyard), foyer and staircase as well as upper hall. Works well for our last two dogs and this one and she has room to move without feeling confined.
  • Pamela Smith Pamela Smith on Feb 06, 2015
    I would leave the door open and use a baby gate.I use to kennel my 2 cockers but i found that if I give them more space the remain very calm.I have 3 baby gates that I uuse.The dogs have the run of my laundry room and kitchen.I block off the rest.