Dog lovers everywhere know the challenges of having a young puppy and a badly behaved dog in the home. But how do you dog proof your furniture? Read on to learn our top tips for petowners who have dogs in the home, and petsitters who are responsible in the dog owners absence.

Smart and simple ways to dog proof furniture

Having a furry friend in your home can be a lot of fun and bring great joy to your life. But, it can also come with its own set of challenges – namely, keeping your furniture safe from the ravages of dog claws and teeth!

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to “dog-proof” your furniture and protect it from damage.

From using protective covers to training them not to chew on items around the house, here are eight smart and simple ways to keep both you and your pup happy. With these tips in hand, you’ll be able to enjoy having a four-legged family member without worrying about costly repairs or replacements down the line.

Invest in furniture covers

Covering furniture with a protective fabric is one of the most effective ways to stop dogs from chewing it. Look for covers made of durable materials like canvas or nylon that are designed to resist tears and scratches. If you’re worried about covering up your furniture, there are plenty of stylish options available that won’t detract from the look of your home.

Additionally, these covers can help protect furniture from accidental spills and other messes, giving you added peace of mind. Opt for covers with a slip-resistant backing to keep them in place regardless of how much your pup runs around the house.

Train your dog not to chew

Training your pup not to chew on furniture is essential if you want to keep it in its best condition. Start by teaching basic commands such as “no” and “leave it” so that they understand what behavior is acceptable and unacceptable. Then, use positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, or toys to reinforce good behavior.

If your pup is particularly stubborn or prone to chewing, you may need to take more drastic measures such as using bitter apple sprays or other deterrents on off-limits items. However, if the damage is already done, remember that you can always have new sofa sets delivered to your house. From there, you can start fresh with your training efforts, but be sure to supervise your dog closely when they’re in the house and intervene if they start chewing something they shouldn’t. 

Provide chew toys and alternatives

In addition to training, providing appropriate chew toys and alternatives is key. Dedicate a few areas in the house where your pup can play without worrying about damaging furniture or other items. Add in a few chew toys. They can munch on these while playing, and switch them up now and then to keep your pup interested.

Additionally, if you have specific furniture pieces that are prone to damage add obstacles. Use deterrants like double-sided tape or aluminum foil to the area. The unpleasant texture will discourage your pup from chewing on it and help keep furniture safe. 

Trim their nails regularly

Furniture destruction is often caused by long nails, so be sure to keep your pup’s claws trimmed with regular nail-clipping. Pet stores or groomers will offer you  quality clippers and offer tips on how to try clipping them yourself.

When it comes to puppies, start early in introducing the practice before they become uncomfortable with the process. If things are not going well, get professional advice from either a pet groomer or veterinarian instead!

Discourage digging and scratching

If your pup loves to dig or scratch away at furniture, try investing in scratching posts or boards. Place them near the couch or other items you want to protect so that they know where it’s okay to scratch and where it is not. Additionally, providing plenty of toys for your pup to chew on can help keep them away from furniture and make them less inclined to dig or scratch.

It’s not always possible, but elevating furniture can be a great way to discourage dogs from chewing on it. Not only does this make it more difficult for them to reach, but it also makes the furniture less attractive as a target. If you can’t elevate the furniture, look for other ways to make it less attractive. Consider adding a rough texture or covering the area with double-sided tape.

Block off areas with gates

Also consider adding a few baby gates in the house to prevent your pup from getting into off-limits areas. This way, you can keep them away from specific furniture items.  Moreover you could allow them to roam freely in other parts of the house. Make sure the gate is tall enough so they won’t jump over it. And  make sure to close it securely each time after use.

Additionally, if your pup is particularly energetic, you may also want to consider adding dog-proofing features. For example try railings or fences around furniture so they can’t reach it.

Give them enough exercise

One of the best ways to prevent furniture destruction is to make sure that your pup gets enough exercise. Dogs are full of energy and need a way to burn it off, so be sure to take them for regular walks and provide plenty of playtimes. If you don’t have the time or energy for daily walks, consider investing in an automatic ball thrower or other automated toys that can keep your pup entertained without you having to do anything.

Adding stimulating activities such as puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and agility equipment offers mental stimulation. It helps tire out your pup.

Clean up chewed items immediately

If your pup does manage to get a hold of something it shouldn’t act quickly. Remove the item and clean up any mess right away. It’s also important to try and determine why they were drawn to the item in the first place. That way you can prevent it from happening again in the future.

Dogs mark the area this way, so if given the opportunity, they will likely return to the same spot. Pay attention to their behavior and be prepared to act quickly if you suspect they are up to no good.

How to dog proof furniture in summary

By taking the time to dog-proof your furniture, you can save yourself a lot of trouble.  Prevent damage to your belonging by taking precautions.  By trimming their nails regularly you make a good start. Discourage digging and scratching with toys or posts and block off any areas with gates.  Always ensure they get enough exercise to burn off excess energy. And clean up any chewed items immediately when they do occur.

With these smart and simple tips will help keep your pup safe while preserving the beauty of your home.

Further reading on pet care and housesitters

At Housesitmatch.com we like to share useful blogs and practical advice about housesitters, housesitting and pet sitting. We hope you find this small selection of our blogs on house sitters useful.

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