How To Stop a Dog From Scratching at the Door?

Last updated: 13/2/2025

Is your pup incessantly scratching at the door? Discover the reasons behind this behavior and get practical tips to stop it in this blog post!

Why do dogs scratch at the doors?

Dogs scratch at doors for various reasons. Some seek attention, while others might be experiencing anxiety, stress, or boredom. 

Understanding the underlying cause is crucial before addressing the behavior to avoid inadvertently worsening the issue. Punishing a dog scratching due to anxiety can heighten stress levels, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful approach to correction.

Methods to stop your dog from scratching at your door

Stop the habit in the first place

Train your dog by anticipating and addressing potential issues, preventing the behavior from becoming problematic. 

Try tiring your dogs out by taking them for longer walks.

Dogs are social creatures that can get frustrated when left alone for long hours. Many owners with work commitments find their dogs bored and resort to destructive behaviors like door-scratching and chewing furniture. A practical solution is to exhaust your dog with extended walks.

A tired dog tends to be calmer, reducing the likelihood of door scratching. Beyond curbing destructive habits, these walks provide valuable bonding time for you and your canine companion. Combat the guilt of leaving your dog alone by recognizing the power of a little extra exercise.

Make time for playtime

Owning a dog brings joy and love to the family, but it comes with responsibilities. Regular exercise is crucial to ensure your dog's happiness and well-being.

Playing with your furry friend strengthens your bond and offers essential physical and mental stimulation. If daily walks or park visits are challenging, dedicate a few minutes each day for playtime in your backyard or indoors. Simple games like fetch or tug-of-war can help ward off boredom and prevent those pesky scratching sessions at your door.

Reward good behaviour

Dogs, being social creatures, respond well to positive reinforcement. If your furry friend tends to scratch at doors excessively, promptly addressing the issue is crucial. Like a verbal command, offer a cue to signal them to stop scratching. When they comply, shower them with praise and rewards. You can effectively curb the habit through consistent training and patience, ensuring a scratch-free and happy home.

Ignore poor behaviour

Our canine companions thrive on attention and connection. Yet, some dogs may feel anxious and stressed when left alone, resulting in unwanted behaviors like barking or door scratching. While it may be tempting to scold a dog for this behavior, ignoring the bad behavior is more effective and instead focusing on rewarding good behavior.

Dogs are quick to learn which behaviors are rewarded, so owners can help them learn how to behave calmly when left alone by consistently ignoring bad behavior and rewarding good behavior.

Furthermore, dog owners must ensure their furry friends get ample exercise and mental stimulation before leaving alone. Tired dogs are less prone to misbehaving, making it easier for owners to foster relaxation and enjoyment during solo time.

Use a heavy-duty dog door

If you're comfortable allowing your dog to move freely, consider choosing chew-proof dog doors. They're straightforward to install and can withstand even harsh Midwest winters. With a dog door in place, your furry friends can come and go as they please, eliminating the issue of scratching at doors.

Provide your dog with distractions.

Dogs are social beings who yearn for attention and interaction, especially from their human companions. When left alone, some dogs may experience separation anxiety, leading to undesirable behaviors like scratching at doors. Instead of scolding, focusing on rewarding positive behavior and ignoring the negative is more effective.

Dogs quickly learn which actions are rewarded, so consistent reinforcement of good behavior helps them stay calm when alone. Additionally, ensuring dogs get ample exercise and mental stimulation beforehand reduces the likelihood of misbehavior. These simple tips can assist owners in helping their dogs relax during solo moments.

Final thoughts

If your dog scratches at the door, there's a message behind it. Implementing a few easy strategies can enhance your dog's comfort and stop the scratching.

FAQs

How can I prevent your dog from scratching the door?

Utilize positive training methods, provide mental and physical stimulation, and consider using deterrents to discourage scratching behavior.

How can I teach my dog to stop scratching at the door?

Train your dog using positive reinforcement, offer alternative outlets for energy, and use deterrents to redirect their attention from scratching.

Why does my dog scratch at the door when I leave him home alone?

Dogs may scratch due to anxiety, boredom, or a desire to enter. Addressing these issues through training and environmental enrichment can help.

Is there a specific deterrent to stop my dog from scratching the door?

Some effective deterrents include commercial sprays, double-sided tape, or applying a pet-friendly substance to the door that discourages scratching.