Does your dog scratch at your front door when you leave the house? Do they use their nails to communicate when they want in or out of a specific room? Do they just tend to scratch any surface they can get their paws on?
Door scratching is a common behavior in dogs, and it’s rarely a welcome one. The noise can be frustrating, and scratching can seriously damage the wood or paint on your doors. But where does this behavior come from, and what can you do about it?
In this guide, we’ll explore common underlying causes of destructive behaviors like scratching and explain how to stop a dog from scratching doors and other surfaces in your home.
What Causes Destructive Behavior in Dogs?
1. Boredom
Lack of physical or mental stimulation is one of the primary reasons that dogs engage in destructive behaviors like scratching doors. Dogs need regular physical exercise and cognitive stimulation in order to keep their brains engaged.
2. Wanting Access
Dogs often learn that scratching doors grants them access to the outdoors or another room in the house. They may begin scratching in order to communicate that they want to enter or leave a room, especially if you tend to respond to door scratching by letting your dog in or out.
3. Separation Anxiety
Chewing, digging, and scratching are often associated with separation anxiety, which is extremely common in dogs. It’s often caused or worsened by changes in the household, such as a family member leaving for college, a new dog being adopted, or moving to a new home. Destructive behaviors are often accompanied by an increase in accidents, barking and howling, and attempts to escape.
4. Attention-Seeking
All dogs – but especially puppies – have an instinct to seek attention and affection from their humans. In general, dogs prefer to receive positive attention. This motivates them to engage in behaviors that you like. But they may also learn that destructive behaviors like door scratching also garner attention, even though it’s negative. This can reinforce the behavior over time.
5. Territorial Behavior
If your dog sees, hears, or smells something outside or on the other side of an interior door, they may scratch in order to defend what they perceive as their territory from whatever is on the other side of the door.
6. Medical Issues
Dogs with skin allergies or irritation sometimes scratch against surfaces like walls or doors. If a dog is uncomfortable or in pain, they may also scratch as a way to try to communicate that they’re in distress.
Tips and Tricks To Stop Your Dog From Scratching Doors
1. Training
Teach Helpful Commands
Training your dog to respond to certain commands can help redirect them from scratching doors and other objects. When your dog approaches a door, try using “sit” or “stay” and reward them when they respond correctly.
Reward Good Behavior
Positive reinforcement is the most powerful tool you have in your training kit. When your dog acts calmly around a door they like to scratch, or they stop scratching when you command them, reward them with a delicious treat, some praise, or a quick play session.
Ignore Bad Behavior
While punishment may seem to work in the moment, it does nothing to correct bad behavior long-term. In many cases, dogs will scratch at the door to get your attention. The best way to stop the behavior is to do the opposite of what they want. If your dog starts scratching, turn your back and ignore the behavior. Only give them attention once they stop.
2. Environmental Considerations
Provide Alternatives
In some cases, door scratching may be a result of boredom and instinct. If your dog has a habit of scratching, try offering them some alternative activities to keep them occupied. You might consider getting a scratching post or mat. This is especially helpful if the behavior is instinctual. You can also offer them some enriching puzzle toys to keep them distracted.
Block External Triggers
Some dogs will scratch at doors and windows if they see something outside such as a bird, a person, or another dog. To avoid these triggers, try adding blinds, curtains, or frosted films on glass doors and windows.
Tire Them Out
A tired dog is a happy dog, and getting your dog’s energy out can be a good way to prevent bad behavior as a result of boredom or anxiety. Provide them with daily physical exercise by taking your pup on walks, playing fetch or tug-of-war, or visiting a dog park.
3. Physical Protections
Use Physical Barriers
You can buy dedicated door guards or scratch guards to protect your doors directly. These guards are usually made of plastic or metal, and they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to find at local pet stores. Another option is to set up puppy gates and simply block your pup from being able to access their favorite scratch spots.
Trim Your Dog’s Nails
While trimming your dog’s nails doesn’t address the underlying cause of the behavior, it can help limit the damage caused by scratching. Keeping your puppy’s nails short is good for the health of their paws, and it helps protect your floors, doors, and other surfaces.
Use Anti-Scratch Spray
A deterrent spray can help prevent your pup from continuing to scratch in the same areas day after day. You can buy a dedicated spray or make your own using pantry ingredients you may already have such as vinegar.
4. Alleviate Separation Anxiety
Create a Safe Environment When You Leave
Do what you can to create a safe and calming space for times when you need to leave the house. Make sure your dog has access to water and toys and keep potential hazards out of reach. Many pups also benefit from some background noise such as low-volume radio or TV noise.
You might consider creating a specific room where they can stay while you're gone or try crate training if they're comfortable. Having a designated space can help them feel more secure and comfortable while they're alone – and limit their ability to get into mischief.
Try Gradual Departures
Gradual departures can be a helpful method of desensitizing your pup. Start by leaving for short periods and gradually extend the length of your absence over time. This gets your furry friend used to being alone and teaches them that you’ll always return.
Hire a Professional Trainer
Some dogs – especially rescues with past trauma – may suffer with extreme separation anxiety that’s difficult to manage. If this is the case for your pup, consider reaching out to a professional trainer or behavioral specialist. Your vet might also recommend some anxiety medications to help manage their symptoms.