Dogs and Screen Doors?

[KimIce]

I have a dog that paws at the screen door when he wants to go out, does anyone know of a way to protect the bottom part of the screen on the door? We tried to put up a grate, but we were not able to get the door shut. When we are at the camper I just set the grate in front of it which helps somewhat, but he has gotten so big, we had to take out his crate and his new crate will not fit in the 5th wheel unless I take out more of the furniture so that means he will be loose inside while we are not there, and I am afraid he will paw it. Any suggestions? (and no I will not leave him at home)

 

[mnsprk]

Most RV parts stores have screen door grills made specifically for TT,FW & MH. I have one on our door with no problems.. Also Camping world.

http://www.campingworld.com/search/index.cfm?Ntt=screen+door+grills&N=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=p_keyword&Nty=1&Ntpc=1

 

[krhewitt]

Our dog did/does the same thing! We saw this solution on an RV show. We went to Lowes and purchased some plexis glass and had them cut it to the dimensions that we needed to cover the screen. I cut strips of Heavy duty velcro and adhered the plexis glass to the door. Every once in a while it falls off (like when we've had real humid days or hot days) It even stays when we travel. You can take it on an off if you want. Ours just stays on since it is on the bottom part of the door. Hope this helps!

 

[Disbuf]

We also did the plexiglass solution. I didn't velcro it but instead used a clear silicon around the edges to hold it in. It never came off but it also meant we lost the airflow from the bottom of the screen door. Oh well, you win some and you lose some.

 

[caveat lector]

Not sure it woud help in your situation. We hung a small bell on string next to the door (in our house and TT), and trained our pup to paw at it. Works great. He even paws at it when he sees a rabbit outside that needs to be relocated.

 

[BradyBz12]

Same problem here with one of our dogs, although she only does it when she wants to go out. They're crated when we're gone, but I have a feeling if we weren't there she wouldn't bother.

In any case, we've been looking for a grate as well to protect the screen.

Oh and the bell works great... until Bz started whacking it every single time she wants to go out - even for no reason whatsoever. *insert whiny kid "I'm boooooored"*

If you ignore her long enough, she starts REALLY whacking/biting at the bell, and sometimes will fling it across the room.

She's just precious.

 

[2goofycampers]

Just to insert a reminder about how dangerous the bottom of the screen doors are. For some reason the manufacturer of these doors leave the bottom corners with a VERY rough finish, enough to take the hide off a dog and cause alot of stitches. You can fix this in 5 minutes or less with a steel file.

There have been many a time friends and ourselves have been glad we did this when our pups rush in and brush up against the door.

 

[freshlybarked]

We have the grate on the door, but we have also used a baby gate at the top of the steps to keep them from rushing out when we come in. We have a Class C and the gate fits nicely with a latch that opens the center. It works to keep them from scratching at the door and rushing it in their excitement or even if we have the main RV door open and the screen door closed it keeps them from damaging things if wildlife walks by. We camped at a state park that had raccoons and one came up to the door and looked in. The dogs went nuts and the gate saved the day.

 

[BradyBz12]

Just to insert a reminder about how dangerous the bottom of the screen doors are. For some reason the manufacturer of these doors leave the bottom corners with a VERY rough finish, enough to take the hide off a dog and cause alot of stitches. You can fix this in 5 minutes or less with a steel file. :thumbsup

Really good point, Denise!! I remember the story of the greyhound that split her side open on this. I told it to DH and he immediately "padded" the corner of both the screen door and regular door with some duct tape.

The way our lunatics scream in and out of the TT it was an accident waiting to happen.

 

[Disneylitch]

We use the bell also and it really works. Our dog was 8 years old and he learned what the bell was for. So, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

 

[IslandHtsCampers]

We rescreened our screen door on our camper with the heavy duty pet screen you can find at home depot.

 

[KimIce]

Our dog did/does the same thing! We saw this solution on an RV show. We went to Lowes and purchased some plexis glass and had them cut it to the dimensions that we needed to cover the screen. I cut strips of Heavy duty velcro and adhered the plexis glass to the door. Every once in a while it falls off (like when we've had real humid days or hot days) It even stays when we travel. You can take it on an off if you want. Ours just stays on since it is on the bottom part of the door. Hope this helps!

I have thought about the plexiglass, but I wasn't sure how to attach it. I will have to try it.

Thank you Denise for the information about the bottom of the door, I never noticed this. I will definitely fix it.

Also, to Freshlybarked - Where did you find a baby gate that small to fit the door?

Unfortunately, the bell would not work. BradyBz12 our dog sounds just like yours. Ours is 1/2 Mastuff and 1/2 Boxer and that bell would be a toy in no time, and he would annoy you with it especially if you were ignoring him.
I know several people that taught their dogs this, I wish I would have known about it a year ago when I got him.

I really appreciate all of these suggestions, it has helped me a lot.
Thank you to everyone!