Dogs are known for their playful and loving nature, but they can also be quite rough on furniture and other household items. For example, if you have a glass door in your home, it’s essential to take steps to protect it from scratches caused by your furry friend. In this article, we’ll share a few tips on how to protect glass doors from dog scratches. Keep reading for more information!
Glass doors repair can be pricey. It is not uncommon for glass doors to sustain scratches from pets. Depending on the size and type of dog, your furry friend may cause slight scuffs or very deep gashes in the glass. Both situations will require some repair work to restore your pet’s damage.
Contents
A Step by Step Guide on How to Protect Glass Doors From Dog Scratches
Step 1 : Glass Door Protector
The best way to protect glass doors from dog scratches is with a large piece of Plexiglas. Plexiglass is like regular glass, but it is robust and doesn’t break as easily. It’s suitable for protecting against kids and pets because it will stand up to anyone trying to hit or scratch it.
There are two types of materials that work best for Plexiglas – float or rolled. Float types have a layer of material between the two panes of glass, making them more rigid and less likely to flex when installed. Rolled types are just that – rolled up and placed in a box. You can easily cut through them with a utility knife.
Step 2 : Use Protective Easy to Roll Film
If you don’t want to use Plexiglas, you can alternatively purchase protective vinyl or plastic film. The edges are already squared off, so it’s easier than cutting the stuff by hand.
These materials allow for some visibility but still protect pretty well against scratches and abrasions. The best material for this is Polyethylene.
Step 3 : Secure the Plexiglas
If you use Plexiglass, you need to secure it tightly in place so it won’t fall once the dog jumps up on the glass door. The simplest way to do this is with 1/4″ or 5/16″ hex head bolts that go through the panel’s top into the top track.
You’ll want to drill holes just slightly bigger than your bolt heads by using a regular bit — they don’t need to be “plumbing-size” since they’re going into the wood, and there won’t be much pressure on them when tightened down.
Ensure you countersink all around the edge before putting the bolts through so the heads don’t interfere with the track. For larger panels, you can use carriage bolts held in place by nuts on the other side of the door to keep it even more secure.
Step 4 : Use Reflective Window Film
If you’re worried about the pets climbing up to scratch at the glass, then you can place a reflective film on the inside of your door that will make it difficult for them to gain traction. The material is easy to work with and comes in rolls, so you’ll have plenty to go around.
How long it lasts before needing to be replaced depends on how much traffic gets put through it — if the sun beats down constantly on one side of the pane, then it’s going to lose its effectiveness pretty quickly.
Step 5 : Make It Difficult for Animals to Climb Up
If your dog is having trouble getting enough leverage to jump onto a tall table or countertop, try placing a thick piece of wood on top of the Plexiglas. This will make it more difficult for them to jump up, and may give them the extra boost they need.
Again, you can get pretty creative with this part but make sure that you’ve got something sturdy that will resist the pressure of an animal jumping onto it.
Step 6 : Keep Your Dog Off the Glass Door
The most crucial step in keeping your dog off glass doors is training early. You can’t expect a dog to learn overnight, primarily if they’re only used to scratching at the door for attention. The best way is to teach them “off” when you catch them around the door, so they will get used to not touching it.
For dogs who are very jumpy and tend to jump onto furniture and glass, you’ll need some extra help, such as using their favorite treats or toys if they don’t care about anything else. Even if it means peeing outside, it’ll work for some dogs!
You can also use a water spray bottle or even a tin can securely attached to the door to make it more difficult for them. This is a crucial step in how to protect glass doors from dog scratches.
Step 7 : Fit Curtains and Keep Them Closed
If you can’t find anything that will keep your pets off of the door, then the next best option is to fit some thick curtains so they won’t be able to break through them. If this is an option for your house, it’s one of the best solutions because you don’t have any obstructions outside and can still use the glass for the top light effect.
Step 8 : Use the Right Glass for the Door
There are some varieties of glass that can be used on doors to prevent pets from scratching or breaking through them; they’re called safety glasses.
The downside is that they’re expensive and difficult to cut, so you’ll have to hire a professional unless you have special tools. They may not look as lovely as regular glass, but at least your cat won’t come skulking around if it gets loose outside.
Step 9 : Clip and File Your Dog Nails Down
If you have a pet, you can help keep them from scratching your glass by regularly trimming their nails. You can use a nail clipper or a special pet claw clipping tool.
Just be careful when doing this — dogs can move suddenly and unpredictably, so if you’re inexperienced, it’s best to have somebody help you.
Step 10 : Train Your Dog or Cat
If you have a cat or dog that naturally doesn’t like glass, the best solution is to train them not to touch it. How you do this will depend on your pet, their personality, and how important it is for you that they stay away from the door.
If you want to keep your dog from scratching up your glass doors, you’ll need to train them. This takes time and patience, but it’s worth it to keep your doors looking nice. Start by teaching them simple commands like “sit” and “stay.” As they learn these commands, you can start adding in more difficult ones like “leave it” and “come.” Remember to use treats as rewards for good behavior, and be consistent with your training.
You can check it to My Dog Stretch All the Time
Tips and Warnings
Tips
- Always place a rubber mat or carpet near the sliding part of the door. If not, use a towel that absorbs dog nails while scratching.
- Put plastic wrap underneath the sliding door while using it. This will prevent dogs from staring at people outside and jumping on the glass panels. It’s also helpful in protecting floors from drool and dirt marks made by your dog.
- Put some toys and play with the dog while it’s scratching around you; this way, he will get used to doing certain things when you are around him.
- Train them where to place their paws on, like giving commands such as “touch” or “place.” Dogs need to be guided through training, especially teaching them not to scratch glass doors and walls.
- Plexiglass is sturdy and can protect your doors from scratches made by dogs and other animals. However, we should never forget that these chemicals may harm our pets accidentally.
Warnings
- Dogs teething may experience a strong urge to chew on things. This is why it’s essential to give them safe toys for chewing.
- If your dog doesn’t have any training yet, it will be difficult for you to stop him from scratching particular objects, especially if he has sharp nails.
- Pregnant women should avoid direct contact with the dog’s nails. This may cause miscarriage or premature labor.
- Plexiglass, whenever broken, may cause injury and infection. This is why it’s essential to cover all sharp edges of the frame with some soft materials such as a towel or carpet.
Conclusion
We hope you have learned how to protect glass doors from dog scratches. It’s essential to cover glass doors from dog scratches because they can become unsightly and cause problems for the door. They are not only an annoyance but also dangerous for both humans and pets who walk into them.
You can prevent them from scratching at the door by using a towel or a soft rug. You can also train your pets not to touch it, so they do not go near the glass doors and windows. They may be expensive, but safety glasses are worth the investment as they will protect you, your family members, and, most importantly, your pets.
You may read it also – How to Stop Dog From Messing Up Blinds