How can I protect the outside of my doors from my dogs scratching them
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My dogs tear up the outside door. They rip the weather strips and scratch up the paint
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A dog door is the answer...all they want is to come in ! At Home Depot...they sell metal panels you can screw into the bottoms of the doors too. I solved 99% of my dog issues...when I installed a dog door. Of course I have an enclosed exercise yard to keep them safe.
If you don't want to let who knows what into your house what about kick plates?
Two options, one is to install a dog door, (that is what I have as with 6 dogs and 6 cats, it is a necessity), or install a metal kick plate, think restaurant kitchen doors. Just sheet metal screwed or glued to the door. You can make yourself if you have the tools. Any metal fabricator can make you one to cover the porion of the door that the dogs scratch. Here is an example.
http://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/exterior-door-kick-plate-magnetic-bronze?utm_source=froog&utm_medium=cse-nc&utm_campaign=gdf&partner=froog&gdffi=acd9967c52ff4737a3a3e0a43a275a41&gdfms=709535890E8947169879F390D46D63A2&gclid=Cj0KCQiAjO_QBRC4ARIsAD2FsXPxn5WvZbWrqLr5doj3ybs-Ogzuk2bKaIcEHQ0Ki42VNQ-7uDLMArUaAuFhEALw_wcB
what about a metal or brass toe kick plate at the bottom of the door?
Most large home improvement stores have pre-cut metal sheeting that comes in larger pieces... such as 36 in X 36 inch... just screw them onto the outside of the door (one screw every 2-3 inches so toe nails can't find a gap)
You may have to remove any molding that sticks out so the metal fits flat to the door surface. We used a perforated sheet on our sliding screen door.. to protect it from dog feet... worked really well.