Dogs may chew on or damage your furniture for a number of reasons. These include stress, boredom, and separation anxiety. In order to release their energy, dogs will occasionally chew on furniture if they are not given enough exercise. If they lose interest in their existing chew toys and bones, they might potentially damage furnishings. There are preventative measures you can take to keep your dog satisfied, content, and occupied in order to keep furnishings safe while you are away from home.
4 Easy Ways To Dog Proof Your Leather Furniture, Like Couch
If you've ever had the good pleasure to live with a dog, you know how difficult it can be to keep them away from couches, chairs, and beds. It's soft, cozy, and frequently serves as a means of intimacy. We all feel the need to safeguard furnishings, even if you don't strictly enforce a "keep the dog off the couch" rule. You may take a few quick actions to reduce stress, safeguard your investment in house furnishings, and ensure that everyone in the family—including your four-legged family members—feels at home. We have a solution for whatever caused the problem, from stray hairs and slobber to muddy paws and jagged claws:
Way 1: Invest In Furniture Protectors
Using dog throws and machine-washable coverings to protect your furniture is the simplest solution. The least amount of work has to be put into this. Where your dog prefers to unwind is known to you. Put a washable protection over their "spot". So that you always have a clean one on hand, rotate several. Select a cover that is designed specifically to fend off dog hair and grime for the best protection. Every dog-owning family needs furniture protectors, but new dog owners especially need them.
Way 2: Choose Durable Upholstery
- Leather tops the list of fabrics that are more forgiving of dog messes than other textiles since it doesn't retain hair like other fabrics do, is simple to hoover and can be cleaned up with a damp towel in a matter of seconds.
- The only thing a sharp toenail really does not like about leather upholstery is to be poked. Leather is both gorgeous and durable. Keep your dog's nails clipped if you opt for leather furniture; you can even file them to remove any sharp edges.
- Due to its ease of cleaning and lack of odor retention, microfiber comes in second place to leather as a dog-friendly material. Although less forgiving than other upholstery options, cotton and linen are still popular choices. If you regularly hoover them, they are a little bit simpler to maintain clean.
- The worst is wool because it needs to be properly dry cleaned. However, if you have wool upholstery and a dog-induced stain that needs to be cleaned up right away, use Woolite® or another mild detergent and a soft cloth to dab the area; be aware that if the area gets too wet, the fabric will shrink.
Way 3: Give Them Their Own Space With A Dog Bed
- Your dog undoubtedly has a bed of their own, but does he or she enjoy it? Consider a new bed that satisfies their unique tastes after keeping an eye on their behavior. Do they get out of bed to sit on the cool kitchen floor? Is their bed situated so they may watch family activities and feel like a pack member? Do they appear to find more supportive furniture cushions by navigating there?
- An appealing sofa substitute might be a good bed in the appropriate location. An great illustration is a dog bed made of thick, reinforced orthopedic foam. Additionally, you may make this a more appealing choice by placing a beloved toy in their bed and rewarding your dog whenever they use it. If they're not used to a dog bed, try first leaving something with your comforting scent on it, such an old T-shirt or sweater. For simple maintenance, get a bed with a machine-washable cover.
Way 4: Stop Destructive Chewing On Furniture
Chewing is common in dogs, especially puppies. But if they are aiming for the furniture rather than a suitable dog toy, use the following tactics:
- Make sure your dog has a wide variety of approved, safe toys to satisfy their chewing drive and prevent boredom. To keep your dog entertained, feed them with a refillable toy.
- Start a crate-training programme to help your dog get used to spending time happily confined in the crate while you aren't around to watch them.
- Use a dog fence instead to keep your dog out of areas of your home where they have ruined or chewed furnishings.
- Give your dog plenty of daily opportunities for strenuous exercise and play to help them stay calm when inside. A tired dog is a nice dog.