Having a dog is one of the most rewarding things in life. They are your best friend, your running partner, and constant companion. But ask yourself this: if you had to choose between keeping your furniture or making sure that Fido doesn’t destroy it, which would you pick? There’s no question about it- protecting your home from damage by pets should be an integral part of pet ownership. We all know what happens when someone leaves their shoes on the floor- but how do we protect our couches and chairs against our four-legged friends? Here are some steps to take to keep those expensive pieces of furniture safe!
Put barriers between your furniture and your pet. This can be as simple as a baby gate to keep them from getting up on the couch, or a piece of furniture that they cannot climb onto (like an ottoman).
If you have a young dog who is still learning not to jump on the furniture, put their bed in close proximity to where you want them to stay off the furniture. This will help train them as they are growing up that only certain areas are allowed to be used for lounging and sleeping.
If you have a dog who is particularly destructive, consider investing in some furniture covers . These can be expensive, but they can save your furniture from being scratched or chewed up.
Make sure that your pet has plenty of toys to play with. This will help keep them occupied and out of trouble. Kongs are a great option- they can be filled with treats or peanut butter, which will keep dogs entertained for hours on end.
If all else fails, you may have to resort to training your dog . This can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, but it is worth it in the end. Be consistent with your commands, use positive reinforcement when they obey, and be sure to never let them off the leash until you are absolutely sure that they will not run off and destroy something. Investing for a crate can also be a great way to help train your dog.
Keeping your furniture safe from pets is not always easy, but it is definitely worth the effort. By following these tips, you can rest assured that your home will remain in one piece- and so will your furry friend!