Does your dog scratch his paws at your door constantly? This common issue can be frustrating, but you can teach your four-legged companion better habits with patience and the right strategies.
To stop your dog from scratching at the door, you must introduce stimulating playthings, set regular training and playtime schedules, and apply non-harmful deterrents or barriers to protect the door area. Let's examine why dogs engage in this behavior and how to employ these techniques to correct it.
Why Does My Dog Like Scratching at the Door?
To better help you tackle this issue, let's first look at the four main reasons why dogs scratch at doors at various times:
1. Wanting to Go Outside (or Come Inside)
This reason is perhaps the most obvious one. Your four-legged companion may want to go potty, explore the yard, or return inside to nap. This need can crop up at any time, especially early mornings. Sometimes, our pets get a sudden burst of energy and decide to go outside and chase squirrels at 2 a.m.! So, it's up to us to train them with what's appropriate and what's not (more on that later).
2. Extra Energy or Boredom
Our pets need to occupy their minds and exercise their bodies. So, if they aren't getting enough exercise or playtime, they might scratch at things with their claws because they are bored or need to release pent-up energy. This logic is especially true:
- in the mornings after they've been resting all night, or
- during the night when they're looking for something to do.
But of course, it can happen at any time! Have you ever noticed that your pup gets the "zoomies" and races around the house for no apparent reason? That's a classic sign of excess energy.
3. Attention-Seeking
Does your dog scratch more when you're on the other side of the door? This could be their way of communicating, "Hey, I'm here! Let me in!" You might notice that this behavior intensifies at night when they feel more isolated. It's like a toddler who wants their parent's attention, even if it means being somewhat disruptive.
4. Fear or Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a typical reason for door scratching, especially when pet parents leave their pets alone. Dogs who feel anxious by themselves may think scratching will help reunite them with their owners. It's rather like a protest because they don't want their human to go to work!
But because of the animal's perception, they may not understand you'll be coming back. Such behavior may be likely when the dog has been through many changes or disruptions in their life, or perhaps they are generally an anxious pup.
7 Tips to Stop the Scratching
Now that we understand the possible reasons, let's explore some tried-and-true methods for stopping the habit.
1. Offer Plenty of Exercise
We need to ensure our pups get plenty of exercise through walks, runs, fetch, or playtime. A good workout before you leave or before bedtime can help reduce nighttime door scratching. For instance, a brisk 30-minute walk can tire out even the most energetic dogs and help them settle in for the evening.
2. Stimulate Their Mind
Get your dog's mind working usefully with puzzle toys, training sessions, or scent games. A mentally stimulated dog is far less likely to scratch out of boredom.
- Supply a variety of durable and safe toys to keep them entertained and amused, especially when you're away or before sleep.
- Consider rotating the toys so your pooch doesn't get bored.
Did you know that there are puzzle toys that dispense treats as your dog figures them out? My neighbor's Labrador loves this interactive puzzle toy with a squeak. He's learned how to slide the sliders and get the treats out, and when we press the squeaker, he immediately switches his focus to the toy.
3. Teach “Quiet”
The command word "quiet" can be useful to stop a dog from scratching at your door. You do it by calmly saying "quiet" in a firm but gentle voice when they scratch and rewarding silence with treats or affection. Once they're silent—even briefly—you can reward them and immediately open the door.
4. Offer an Alternative
How about training them to sit or lie down by the door instead of attacking it? Plus, you could pair the act of your leaving or the door closing with something your dog loves, like a special treat or a long-lasting chew. Offering an intriguing distraction can help them associate the door with goodies rather than dread.
5. Ignore the Bad Behavior
When a dog needlessly scratches to get your attention, the most effective (yet difficult) thing to do is ignore them. Don't scold or give in; wait until they're quiet before opening the door. This tip applies to all times of day, including at night. Remember that if you give in to their antics, you're essentially rewarding the behavior and making it more likely to happen again.
6. Praise the Good Behavior
When behaving admirably, shower them with praise, treats, or a favorite toy. This positive reinforcement helps them learn that behaving well gets them something that makes them happy. I like to use small, healthy treats and lots of verbal praise when training my older dog. Plus, he always loves being told he's a "good boy"!
7. Gradual Exposure Is Key
Suppose your dog's behavior is due to feeling anxious or afraid of something; perhaps separation from you or noises they don't like. In that case, exposing them to being gradually alone can help.
- Start by popping out for short periods and gradually increase the time.
- Practice this during the day and before bed to help them adjust to your absence.
- Why not ask a friend or family member to help? Have them come over and stay with your dog while you practice leaving. Even just 5-10 minutes at a time can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, teaching your dog alternative behaviors and addressing the root cause of their actions is the best way to stop a dog from scratching at the door. It may take time and effort, but by remaining consistent and patient, you and your four-legged friend can enjoy a calmer, quieter home together.
Source: Pet Helpful
