Pets and the RV

[Sez_Hoo_]

HELP needed~advice...we are having issues with the screen material separating from the spline when our cat pushes against it. Any suggestions? We are getting ready to purchase pet resistant screen material that is tear proof to eliminate the issue of screen tears (our dog insists on shredding the screen door screening in an attempt to get out to us) NO, beating him is not an option so please don't suggest it! Investing in a roll of this material is pointless if the screen keeps separating from the spline giving them a clear escape route. Anyone have to address this issue? Have a solution? Much appreciated.

[kalynzoo]

We purchased a screen protector at Camping World. It looks very much like the pictures posted by others, however, it has a slide that permits it to be sized for the small doors on RVs. Four screws made it easy to install. It is secure enough that it fits our original purpose, to keep the grandkids from pushing out the screen. It works for the dog too.
Happy Trails.

[Homer1]

Thse pet Grill will solve your problem. However a dose of training will keep the whimpering dog and cat yowling in check.

[dakonthemountai]

Sez Hoo! wrote:
Thanks for all the wonderful tips! We have tried plexi glass, he pawed at it until it cracked thus allowing him to get at the screen AGAIN! Training was our first thought as well except he only does it when we are away from the motorhome, he can see us but we are not always watching him. Time...suppose we could train in time (I've always heard you can't teach an old dog new tricks...this holds true for DH!!!!) I like the pet grill but DH insists it obstructs his view.
Think I will start with replacing our screens with pet proof screening and possibly push the issue of the pet grill.
Thank you all again for your advice and suggestions!

You also have to remember that cats climb. If you put the metal shield there there are holes just the perfect size for a cat to climb up.... to the screen on TOP! OYE! When I full timed my cat would do the same thing so I had to give up on leaving just the screen door closed. Then I put her on a harness and had her out with me most of the time. As she aged she gave up the climbing and mostly just slept inside.

Dak

[bighatnohorse]

Our cats used to shred the screen door on our patio.
I made and placed a wood framed grill in front of the screen.
When they pulled on the grill, it fell on them - it only happened once and they were cured.

You might want to fabricate something similar that would fall on the cat when he goes at the screen.
They are very smart and usually only need one lesson.

[brirene]

Maybe too easy, but is the spline seated in the groove correctly? You probably know there is a specialized tool for that purpose, and insuring correct seating really increases the strength. Fwiw.

[Sez_Hoo_]

Thanks for all the wonderful tips! We have tried plexi glass, he pawed at it until it cracked thus allowing him to get at the screen AGAIN! Training was our first thought as well except he only does it when we are away from the motorhome, he can see us but we are not always watching him. Time...suppose we could train in time (I've always heard you can't teach an old dog new tricks...this holds true for DH!!!!) I like the pet grill but DH insists it obstructs his view.
Think I will start with replacing our screens with pet proof screening and possibly push the issue of the pet grill.
Thank you all again for your advice and suggestions!

[Francesca_Knowl]

I cured my cat of screens by waiting patiently with a full bucket of water on the other side until she tried to climb the screen. She never forgot getting hit by that tidal wave and never touched a screen again.

For obvious reasons, this training method is tidiest if one's on the INSIDE of the rig with the bucket.

[BobR]

Thats_Ok wrote:
We travel with four dawgs.
Haven't had problems with attempts to escape.

We have thought about a 36" x 33" pet grill similar to below:


Around 40 bucks available at a large retail home improvement center.
Comes in white, gray and black.

I had a dog who would jump through a screen door to be with us. This was the solution. Also, Home Depot sells a heavy dog screen along with new spline material. You may want to try this approach first.

[TucsonJim]

In the past, I've cut a piece of Plexiglass (flourescent light cover) to size and screwed it over the screen door frame. It worked great.

[Campfire_Time]

I'd also advocate training. For the cat, bitter apple works wonders in training them to stay off of things you don't want them on or in.

[Johno02]

A piece of plexiglass will probably be your best solution. Best solution is training. We have a pet-guard frame that will keep dogs from going through the screen, and plexiglass keeps AC in and Cold out as needed. However, the dogs in our rig know better than to scratch on the screens. Looking out and barking at us, yes, but don't push on the door. Most of the time, they just look out. while seeming to think how much better they are inside where it is cool and no bugs.

[dodgerdog]

I was going to say that Lowes and Home Depot have the screen Protectors you can attach over your screen door to keep the dog or cat from tearing up the nylon screen... Its usually over by the pet doors... They come in differnt sizes... You might be able to use one of those.... They call them a pet grill

Pet Grill

Mike C.

[deleted-2]

We travel with four dawgs.
Haven't had problems with attempts to escape.

We have thought about a 36" x 33" pet grill similar to below:


Around 40 bucks available at a large retail home improvement center.
Comes in white, gray and black.

[dbbls]

I was able to fit a piece of Plexiglas in front of our screen.

[WyoTraveler]

How about training the dog? Beating doesn't help but training would.