For many dog owners, the constant scratching of doors and carpets by their pets can be aggravating. This behavior can result in unsightly damage and deep cuts. The challenge in addressing this issue is that it often occurs when owners are not present, making training difficult. It can be frustrating to accept that your beloved door will be permanently marred.
Today, we want to inform you that the current situation doesn’t have to remain unchanged. By utilizing scratch protectors for your dog doors, you can safeguard your doors from being ruined. It will also allow you additional time to teach your pets proper behavior.
1. PETFECT Pet Scratch Protector with Custom-Cut Knife
In 2023, UK buyers will find the PETFECT Pet Scratch Protector to be the superior option because of its scratch-resistant transparent polymer material that also acts as a great deterrent. Applying and removing it is effortless due to its potent self-adhesive layer, and it won’t leave any marks.
You can customize the plastic sheet according to your needs for various doors and styles, and it is also suitable for other surfaces besides doors like beds, chairs, and sofas. To avoid scratches, use dog nail clippers to groom your pets regularly, as scratching doors may have been their only grooming method.
2. DanceWhale Anti-Scratch Dog Training Tape
Although marketed towards cats, this product can also serve as a solution to prevent dogs from scratching doors. It is a basic idea – a two-sided adhesive tape that has a highly adhesive surface. It may not shield doors from direct claw contact, but rather discourages pets from scratching them altogether.
They find the adhesive surface quite bothersome to touch and will refrain from scratching it completely. The tape is simple to put on and mold to the frequently scratched surface, and equally simple to remove. It can be sliced to match any surface prone to harm, not solely restricted to doors.
In general, this is an extremely adaptable and user-friendly solution for training dogs not to scratch doors; however, it is important to note that it does not provide direct protection for them. Nevertheless, it is crucial to keep in mind that it is better to prevent than to treat.
3. ForuMall 2PCS Pet Scratching Protector
This two-pack contains industrial-grade vinyl that is thick and has an adhesive side to prevent scratches on items such as doors, sofas, and chairs.
The flexibility of the staff facilitates easy maneuverability in dips, which makes it suitable for both standard and unconventional doors. Despite its high performance, it is one of the most reasonably priced alternatives available in the market, thus offering excellent value for money.
Although the rectangular shape of it may not be suitable for doors, it is perfect for furniture and can be easily trimmed to fit.
4. 2PCS Dog Scratch Protectors Self-adhesive
It’s difficult to resist purchasing these cost-effective self-adhesive PVC protectors that are capable of wrapping around and adhering to almost any household surface to prevent dogs from reaching what lies beneath. These durable rolled-up sheets have a successful history of safeguarding the belongings of numerous canine owners.
Admittedly, this dog nail door protector doesn’t seem much different from others in terms of appearance, except for its price.
5. 6-Pack Pet Furniture Protectors
These end products are available because they offer the most cost-effective option when you require more than just a few. Many of the other items are appropriate for only one or perhaps two doors, whereas this set can cover up to six or even a combination of doors and other furniture items.
The item is essentially comparable to others in the market, but it boasts twist pins and self-adhesive. It offers good quality, economical pricing, and could be the ideal choice for purchasing in large quantities.
How do I stop my dog from scratching the door?
Dog owners may find it difficult to prevent their dog from scratching at the door. Scratching at doors is a behavior that can be due to different reasons such as boredom, separation anxiety, or simply a desire to enter or exit.
It is crucial to prevent excessive scratching on your doors, regardless of the cause. To put an end to this behavior, follow these steps to train your dog.
Step 1: Identify the root cause.
Identifying the underlying cause behind your dog’s door-scratching behaviour is necessary before being able to successfully address it.
Increasing your dog’s physical activity may reduce its urge to scratch if it is scratching due to boredom or lack of exercise.
In case your pet experiences separation anxiety, it is necessary to take measures for minimizing their anxiousness. If they are attempting to either enter or exit, you ought to offer a more fitting option.
Step 2: Provide an alternative.
If you want to prevent your dog from scratching the door, a good solution is to offer them a substitute like a scratch pad or post that can be located near the door.
Step 3: Teach a “no scratch” command.
To prevent your dog from scratching the door, you can train them to respond to a command that forbids scratching. This requires repeatedly uttering the phrase “no scratch” every time your dog attempts to scratch the door, followed by swiftly diverting their focus to another activity.
You can reinforce the “no scratch” command by rewarding your dog when they stop scratching and using the alternative instead.
Step 4: Use deterrents.
In case your dog persists in scratching the door, you might have to consider using deterrents to dissuade them from doing it. These deterrents could entail double-sided tape, bitter sprays, or noise-based discouragements like a loud sound or spraying water.
It is important to avoid using harmful or painful deterrents on your dog and to only resort to them in extreme situations.
Step 5: Seek professional help.
If you have tried your best but your dog keeps scratching, you might want to consider seeking assistance from a professional.
BONUS: Dog Training 101: How to Completely Train Your Dog
Do you feel prepared to commence the training of your puppy or dog? Providing appropriate training and opportunities for socialization to your dog is essential. It is crucial to initiate the training process of your dog as early as possible for skills such as sitting, staying, coming, going to their crate, and going to eliminate outside. Furthermore, as a beginner, it may seem unbelievable, but it is something that you can undertake independently.
Initially, training a dog can appear to be quite daunting, particularly if you’re a first-time dog owner. In reality, teaching your dog is a significant undertaking. But if you proceed gradually, you’ll soon discover that the job is much less intimidating. The following information can assist you in getting started:
- Start a Dog Obedience Program : Learn how to set a basic foundation before you begin to train your dog.
- Train Your Dog Using Games : Training your dog should be fun! Everyone knows it’s easier to learn when you are having a good time, so try implementing some games into your dog training regimen.
- Six Weeks to a Well-Trained Dog : Using this schedule as a guide, you can teach your dog the basics in about six weeks.
- Positive Reinforcement : There are many different ways to train a dog, but most dog professionals agree that the positive way is the best for both the dog and trainer.
House Training and Crate Training
House training, which is also known as housebreaking or potty training, is imperative if you don’t intend to keep your dog outside, which is not recommended. Therefore, it is one of the first things you must teach your dog. Crate training can be a valuable tool to aid in this training process, as well as in other areas of training.
- Crate Training Dogs and Puppies : Here are the basics of training your dog or puppy to accept and even enjoy the crate. Not only will it help with housebreaking, but it will also give your dog a place of his own.
- How to House Train your Dog : When it comes down to it, house training is not that complicated, but this doesn’t mean it’s easy. Consistency and diligence are key during the housebreaking process.
- Submissive/Excitement Urination in Dogs : If your dog is still having accidents in the house, it may be more than a simple housebreaking issue. Your dog might urinate out of excitement or to express submissive behavior.
Leash Training Dogs and Puppies
It’s essential for all dogs to be trained to walk on a leash. This is crucial because leash laws apply in most places, and sometimes, it’s necessary to keep your dog safe by having him on a leash. To begin, familiarize your dog or puppy with the leash, and then proceed to teach him how to walk correctly on it. You can even train him to walk alongside you while you’re on a bike. The goal is to train your dog to walk on a loose leash, preventing him from pulling or lunging, making the activity more fun for everyone involved.
How To Socialize Dogs and Puppies
Socializing your puppy or grown-up canine involves acquainting them with new individuals, animals, and different locations to ensure they become accustomed to them. Dogs that have been socialized are less likely to display behavioral issues and are commonly better received by others. Additionally, socialization can deter the onset of anxieties and irrational fears.
In essence, if you socialize your dog or puppy, you will end up with a dog that is happier and displays better behavior.
Clicker Training for Dogs
Dog owners often find clicker training, a widely used form of positive reinforcement, to be a straightforward and successful approach for training their pets. While it is possible to train a dog without using this method, clicker training is beneficial for many individuals. This technique enables you to teach your furry friend a variety of fundamental and advanced commands and tricks with great ease and efficiency. Learning how to clicker train your dog is both rapid and uncomplicated.
Basic Commands and Fun Tricks
Every dog should learn essential dog training commands and tricks, such as come, speak, drop it, stay, back up, and more. These basic commands provide structure to your dog and can assist in addressing typical canine behavior issues while also promoting your dog’s safety.
Proofing Behaviors and Troubleshooting
The final stage in instructing a new behavior to your dog is proofing. Acquire the knowledge of proofing behaviors to ensure your dog’s obedience at any location, such as a friend’s abode or a park, which is the same as at your place.
Bear in mind that even if you are in the last phases of training, there is still a possibility of encountering behavioral issues. Get educated on the typical dog behavioral issues and their solutions. Utilize these manuals to maneuver through this aspect of the training journey:
- Proofing Behaviors : Practice behaviors in a variety of situations with different levels of distraction. Without proofing, your dog may behave well in your living room, but seem to forget all his training when he is outside the house.
- Teach Your Dog Self-Control: This method teaches your dog that nothing in life is free, but that he needs to earn things like food and attention through obedience.
- Common Dog Behavior Problems : Understanding potential behavior issues can help you detect and address them before things get out of control.
- Dog Behavior Management Versus Dog Training : While dog behavior management and dog training are two different things, they are not mutually exclusive. Behavior management is an important part of any dog training program.
Advanced Dog Training
After your dog has become proficient in basic commands, you may opt to teach them more challenging skills. These tasks not only promote physical fitness and mental stimulation in your dog, but also foster a deeper connection between you and your furry friend.
It is crucial to bear in mind that education is a continuous experience, and you will never entirely master it. You should persistently focus on instructing your dog to obey you as it grows older. In the same way, if individuals who were taught a language at a young age and abandoned it later in life are likely to forget much of it, the same applies to your pup. It is beneficial to review even the most elementary tricks and instructions regularly to maintain them in your dog’s memory. Moreover, spending time with your dog while training is an excellent way to bond with them.
