Dog scratching at back door

16 years ago

I recently moved into a new house and put my dog out in the back yard for a few hours at a time. Any suggestions on what I might do to stop him from constantly scratching at the rear door? He has scratched all the paint off one area and ruined the rubber insulation strip next to it.

The weather is turning really nice and I think it would be nice for him to remain outdoors in the sun. My yard is fenced and he can run around and get some exercise.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

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Comments (9)

annzgw
16 years ago
Put in a dog door so he can come and go as he pleases.

I've yet to own a dog that enjoyed being outside by itself. When I had 2 or more dogs they would often go outside and play together, and one would occasionally go out and lay in the sun, but never did one choose to go out just to enjoy the outdoors. Of course, this may vary with some breeds, but the many breeds I've owned always preferred to be wherever I was.
ctghost
Original Author
16 years ago
I should have stated in my original posting that my previous home had a doggie door. Unfortunately, the way my new house is constructed and laid out that is not an option. I wish it was because that would have been my first choice. (Don't tell me otherwise, I am not going to go into an indepth explanation, thank you). I am only seeking a solution to the scratching problem........and would appreciate any suggestions to resolve that issue.
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Meghane
16 years ago
Maybe you could train the dog to ring a bell or something to come in? I haven't had any luck in doing that myself for letting dogs out, so I wouldn't be much help there unfortunately.

Only one of my dogs will stay outside without me. The rest want to come inside either immediately or within a few minutes. I don't have any place to put a doggie door either, so I can sympathize with you.
jules0988
16 years ago
When we had an issue with our dogs digging in our yard my son suggested burying chicken wire to inhibit them from doing so. Maybe you could use a staple gun and apply chicken wire over the door area where they are scratching. It may teach them not to do it. At any rate I think chicken wire on the door would look better than all those scratch marks. Good luck-
mazer415
16 years ago
Leash walk your dog before yo put him in the back yard to entertain himself. While many dogs like being by themselves in a fenced yard, many do not. You might try a pet door, where your dog can have access to your home at will. PLEASE make certain your dog has plenty of water, and shade, and is not left out for long periods of time by itself in full sun
prairie_love
16 years ago
First, do not ever bring your dog in when he's been scratching. You are reinforcing the behavior by rewarding him. I know it's difficult because you just want him to stop scratching but you really have to stop rewarding it. When you hear him scratching, tell him firmly "no" or "leave it" and do not let him in.

Second, train him to another way of letting you know he wants in. Barking (once) works for some - personally I don't like that because then the neighbors have to hear him bark. Our dogs ring bells both to go out and to come in and that works very well for us. Perhaps you can come up with another idea of a signal.

Third, to protect what remains of your door, put a carpet remnant over the area he scratches.

If you leave your dog outside without a human and without a way to come inside on his own, he WILL find a way to tell you he is ready to come in. It's not fair to expect him to simply wait for you to get him. Therefore, you have to teach him an acceptable way to tell you.
olga_d
16 years ago
Don't leave him out there for so long. Even though you like the idea of him hanging out in the backyard, it seems like he's not enjoying it too much. Also, make sure this doesn't develop into full blown separation anxiety - one of my dogs suffered from this and damaged a few things in our house because he was so stressed.

Very few dogs will exercise on their own in the yard, unless they are running along the fence and barking at passerby or chasing squirrels. I find a game of fetch works much better (and annoys my neighbours less!). ;)
joepyeweed
16 years ago
Don't leave the dog outside by himself.
GammyT
16 years ago
ctghost, he loves you. No matter what you think he might like, he wants in with you, or you to out with him. Open the door and let him in or you go out with him. Simple.

You probably didn't notice this before because you had a dog door. Honestly think back though, when he could decide how often was he outside, was he out more or in?