What's the best way to protect outside doors from dog scratches?

My dog has learned to open and shut the front door. He's causing scratches on the paint and trim.

  8 answers
  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on Oct 11, 2017

    Depending on how big your dog is, you can get a pretty scrolled grate and put at the bottom of the door. Does he have a doggie door?

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 11, 2017

    Fill and Paint the Door and trim. Place over it a metal or Plastic Door Protector (Oblong sheet with 4 holes drilled into it)

  • Bijous Bijous on Oct 11, 2017

    Smart dog! It's a few times of training, but watch for when the dog goes to the door and starts to scratch. Go to him, say your stop word or sound (I use "hut" since it's not a word I use in normal conversation). When he stops, reward with a treat. If he's scratching because he needs to go out, then open the door and let him out. Note the time because dogs are habitual and will do this at the same time every day when they need to do their business. Once he's learned not to open the door on his own, set your clock and let him out at those times every day. If it's because he's bored, divert him from the door after the treat with a ball or toy with a moment of playtime.


    Good luck.

    • Santina Bourland Santina Bourland on Oct 11, 2017

      He's scratching from opening the door to get in the house As soon as we hear him we open for him I've got the opening solved from inside the house by ringing a dinner Bell. the outside of my door is taking a beating.

  • Mfbandit769 Mfbandit769 on Oct 11, 2017

    Sounds like you need to heed your dog's signal that he wants in or out.

  • Itsmemic Itsmemic on Oct 11, 2017

    I bought a beautiful metal grid sheet and drilled in on the bottom. It 's stainless steel and half the door. Looks great ! And so easy to clean

  • Itsmemic Itsmemic on Oct 11, 2017

    PS. If at all possible? Install a dog door..solved ALL my problems.

  • Bijous Bijous on Oct 11, 2017

    Put a wireless door bell at the door where he can paw it. Stand outside with him and teach him to ring the bell and sit and wait. Reward with treats and a few days of training will do the trick.

  • Mfbandit769 Mfbandit769 on Oct 12, 2017

    He's a smart dog! I have always had a doggie door for my dogs, and I highly recommend them. Good luck!