Dogs pawing, scratching, and slamming into doors leads to extensive, costly property damage over time left uncontrolled. Specialty pet door stops provide a simple solution to save walls and frames from harm while also keeping furry friends safely secured. Beyond selecting the right stop type, training animals not to impact doors remains key as well.

This guide explores specialized dog door stop options to protect homes from pet-inflicted destruction. Tips to teach animals boundary limits are provided too for well-behaved non-destructive inhabitants. With minor management precautions, dogs and entryways can co-exist durably.

Hazards of Uncontrolled Dogs

Untrained canines allowed near doors inevitably scratch up surfaces and dislodge hardware components like knobs or deadbolts after repeated clawing and body slams. Lower door edges as their main play target absorb direct friction abuse from pawing underneath.

This gradually mars paint or veneers down to raw wood over time. Scratches then progress to gouges stretching entire width of the door. Animals also ram their full body weight into entries attempting escape or just showing separation anxiety or boredom.

Excess force literally breaks isolated frame fixtures and enlarges bolt holes securing slabs in place. Eventually the entire door starts splintering from unchecked abuse if left unmanaged with the proper stops.

Benefits of Specialty Pet Stops

Sturdy stops designed specifically to withstand dog damage utilize heavy bases and reinforced bumpers engineered for intense loads typical from animals. This added bracing absorbs body slams without sliding or letting the door over rotate.

Dogs remain safely contained while stops cushion walls from harm until owners return home. Cheaper standard stops eventually fail under such constant poundings allowing dog escape and house damage over time if not controlled initially with appropriate fixtures.

Key Selection Criteria

When shopping specialty pet stops, consider models offering:

• Enhanced weight capacities
• Grippy non-skid bottom pads
• Oversized damage-resistant bumpers
• Adjustable extension arms
• Range of holding/pivot angles
• Secure mounting components
• Low clearance for accessibility

Measure existing door bottoms to ensure bumper pads extend fully across for maximum protection. Seek durable finishes and materials able to withstand continued use without issues.

Installation Considerations

Proper installation of pet stops allows optimum damage prevention. Ensure the base secures firmly to flooring without slipping using included hardware for the surface type. Fully extend side arms outward to adequately cover door width.

Wall-mounted options work better for pets versus floor units able to be pushed aside or leveraged off the ground over time. The exact stop style depends on door material and weight. Budget professional installation for specialty reinforced vintage doors requiring custom sizing.

Alternate Protection Options

For extreme chewers with destruction tendencies, alternative solutions better contain animals during owner short term absences. Consider solid pet gates using metal grillework beyond reach of paws while allowing visibility. Highly rated chewing deterrent sprays also discourage interest without toxicity.

Reinforced door wraps and protective plating provides a durable outer armor coating if more intensive barriers prove impractical or visually unappealing. These solutions cost more than basic stops but remain less expensive than full door replacements down the road.

Ongoing Monitoring Needs

Check for damage weekly after initial stop installment even with the best behaved animals. Current condition establishes baselines for comparison to notice increasing issues immediately. This also confirms pets are not actually chewing or wearing down protectants allowing future destruction.

Reapply bitter anti-chew sprays monthly or whenever teeth marks emerge. Feel for loosening hardware or splintered sections needing reinforcement. Repair minor scratches early before full surface penetration. Stay vigilant and committed to preservation.

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Training Dogs Not To Damage Doors

While specialty stops represent a key defense, reducing destructive tendencies through positive reinforcement training minimizes reliance on deterrent equipment alone. Helping dogs view doors as inviting passways rather than play toys or escape barriers curbs negative associations over time. Patience allows transforming even excited pawers into calm doorway companions.

Motivations for Bad Behavior

Dogs lacking boundaries claw and slam doors due to:

• Anxiety when left alone
• Fear of confinement
• Territorial guarding instincts
• Excess energy seeking outlets
• Medical conditions like OCD or dementia
• Poor past crate training experience

Identifying these motivational triggers guides training focus areas for maximum behavior improvement success.

Training Fundamentals

Effective methodology relies on patience, positivity and persistence applied consistently:

• Praise and treat good door behavior
• Redirect pawing or scratching immediately
• Never verbally scold or startle
• Maintain calm assertive leadership
• Refine commands using door props
• Practice protocols during short departures

Goal setting, routine building, confidence boosting and impulse control represent key concepts to reinforce over time transforming door destroyers into model residents.

Implementing an Improvement Plan

Follow structured incremental steps for systemic change:

Safety Proofing

Install bumpers and wrap door bottoms to minimize damage during early lure reward training. Confine chewing temptations using baby gates. Remove anxiety triggers like leashes or car keys from entryways.

Gather Supplies

Stock treat pouches, chews, puzzle toys and clickers to reinforce desired behavior. Boxes, cones and leashes allow simulated practice when owners occupy home space.

Start Small

Use tethers during short departures to set routine expectations. Crate train using favored bedding inside for positive associations.

Accumulate Successes

Layer simple command sets like “off” and “sit” by doors before opening using high value treats. Redirect interest toward appropriate toys ignoring pawing for passivity.

Expand Duration

Gradually increase stay durations spotlighting calm door manners. Vary locations and approach angles adding realism. Introduce environmental challenge triggers in controlled moderation.

Complete Routines

Ultimately ingrain full arrival/departure protocols without any prompting as habitual response. Maintain vigilance avoiding complacency risking setbacks.

With consistent training efforts over weeks, door destroyers transform into obedient pets and cherished companions rather than damages risks.

Troubleshooting Dog Door Damage Solutions

Inevitably setbacks confront even experienced pet owners while attempting to curb negative door behaviors in dogs. Diagnosing escape methods then upgrading defenses reestablishes protection. Pinpointing residual damage risks also warrants repair contingency planning before major destruction recurs.

Identifying Weak Points

Conduct thorough inspections if dogs still manage accessing doors:

• Note tampered stops or chewed components
• Check for alternate pry points like cracked walls or loose frames
• Watch entryways remotely if separation anxiety suspected
• Set phone alerts if scratching sounds recur while away
• Record videos to examine technique and pinpoint deficiencies

Damage patterns determine optimal troubleshooting steps.

Eliminating Opportunities

Utilize means restriction principles to limit possibilities:

• Keep dogs confined in pet proof rooms if risk remains
• Secure external garage and basement doors
• Cover or remove lever handle access points
• Add secondary stops like overhead bars as backups
• Place bell chimes on doors to alert at attempts
• Apply bitter deterrent sprays liberally

Managing environment curtails potential destructive behaviors. Have caregivers housesit high-risk dogs still struggling with behaviors.

Revisiting Foundations

For dogs exhibiting obsessive pawing despite corrections, vet exams help diagnose any underlying medical conditions. Additionally review:

• Daily pack walk bonding time
• Mental stimulation engagement
• Family interaction attention spans
• Anxiety calming supplements

Reconfirming leadership, exercise, enrichment and bonding prevents most excessive fixations taking harmful outlets.

Implementing patient systemic strategies tailored for each dog optimizes success ending door damage. Never reprimand or react harshly to setbacks which erodes progress. Adopt tools supporting natural instinct satisfaction guiding pets toward positive behaviors thriving within a human home ecosystem.