Hi all,



We have a new puppy and need some advice. She is a 4 1/2 month old black lab puppy. She is adorable and we love her to pieces. She was quite easy to house train but now I have the issue of her scratching at the doors to go in and out. I would much prefer her to bark to let us know of her need to go in and out. I try and catch her before she scratches to go out and tell her to "talk" and she does give us a bark and we then let her out. It's when she wants in that is a little harder, we are not always out with her to catch her at the right time and so all she does to come in is scratch. Does anyone have any advice for me before my doors are ruined.

Thanks everyone

Diana

Take her to the vet and have them short clip her nails. I wouldn't try this yourself, because giong too short can hurt them. Not only will this cause less damage to your doors, but the feeling will bother the dog and it will stop (this works for digging as well). Get her something else to let you know she needs to go. They make doorbells for dogs. It doesn't take much time at all for you dog to catch on to this. Help them ring the doorbell each time before you take them out. Be careful however... they could use this against you anytime they want your attention Good Luck!