Scratches that may mean the dog wants to be let in (5)

I believe the answer is:

barks

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'scratches' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to natural events as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for barks that I've seen before include "Yaps" , "Shouts in a brusque tone" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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