Why does my dog scratch the door and cry?

You sound like a real animal lover. You have had him outside his entire life, and now he is scratching and crying at the door...all you are worried about is he is going to break the door. why not worry about what is going on with him. Something is putting him in distress. Find out what is wrong with him, and than maybe he won't be scratching at your door. If all you care about is your dam door, why not find him a loving home.

Dog Scratch Door

He is informing you that something is very wrong outside. He believes it is his job to notify you of strangers and threats to your household; naturally a guard dog now. There have been a lot of fireworks activity recently which upset a lot of animals. Do not punish the dog. He may also be suffering with the cold weather and has nowhere warm to be. No good telling the dog off unless you catch him in the act and then a strong "NO" should be enough to teach him not to scratch the door. You could clap your hands together at the same time too, but do not lay a hand on your dog; it is totally unecessary and cruel to do so.

There is a reason the dog is acting out. He wants your attention, either to resolve a problem he has or because he is lonely/bored. Make sure he has fresh water and plenty of food, a place to relieve himself, a place to lay down preferably in the shade and some way to alleviate his separation such as a bone or rawhide. Going to play with him for a few minutes everyday will give him the attention he is craving from his owner and a way to get exercise, which can help keep him occupied and away from your door. If none of these tricks work, you may have to buy a guard or baby gate (easily found at yard sales or other stores) for your door to prevent him from damaging your door.

Kicking him won't teach him to stop scratching/crying but kicking is an abuse and it would teach the dog to be fear of you. How much do you exercise him? and have you heard crate training? probably not, take him to obedience training, its good, its not just about training him but training you too how to correct, praise that makes your dog happier

Why not let the dog in the house? Poor thing just wants to come inside.

A dog shouldn't be outside all his life!! He is probably cold or something.

Both my dogs suddenly did that now. I let them inside, and they ve stopped whining and are happily asleep on the carpet. Shame, I think they were just cold (it s Winter here)...

Please don't kick his ***. I get that same temptation but it just mentally ruins the dog, trust me. Just go out there, hold his nose, and firmly so "NO". He does it again get louder and louder.

He's a Bad Dog !