dog scrathing door

Question
I just got a puppy a little bit ago.  I'm not sure how big he will get so i haven't got a kennel yet.  For the time being i keep him in the bathroom, but on several occasions I've come home and hes scratched the door so much that his paws bleed.  How can i teach him not to scratch the door?

Answer
It would take longer than you want to train the puppy not to claw at the door to get out. First, get a crate big enough for him now + 1 size bigger. You'll get another when he's about 2 years old to fit.

Puppies need lots of attention and activity. He needs a challenge toy (food in a ball) a play toy (kong or similar hard chew) for his teething, and lots of exercise time. He should be ready to sleep at the end of exercise. You can also start obedience training at this age, and enrich his environment with lots of guided exploring of the environment. (house, yard, etc). He also needs socialization and now is a good time to start introducing him to other dogs and to find a playmate about his size and age.

Regards,
Henry Ruhwiedel
Westwind Kennels LLC