Most people love their pets so much they have no problem allowing the dog or cat on the furniture. The problem is sometimes pets don’t understand what not to do when using your couch or chair for a bed or a climbing toy. What can you do?
Install a Gate or Door
If there’s a particular room that you just don’t want old Fido in at all, install a gate or door. There are those that expand across a larger opening, such as the six-panel Richell Convertible Elite Pet Gate , and there are those that fit perfectly in a typical doorway, such as the Richell Convertible Elite Door Panel . Some gates are taller for larger dogs, and others are smaller for a tiny pooch. If you don’t mind the cat or a small dog entering the room because she doesn’t climb on the dining table, but you don’t want your large dog eating off the table, the Carlson Extra Tall Walk-Thru Dog Gate With Pet Door is a clever solution.
Take Your Pet to Obedience School
Pet training schools will teach your pet a variety of things. You can often speak with the trainers to give them specific instructions on demands you want your dog or cat to learn. Whether you want your cat to stop scratching the couch, don’t want your dog sleeping in your bed or have other instructions regarding your furniture, the trainer can work with the pet and teach you how to accomplish your goals together.
Invest in a Furniture Protector
It’s OK to let your dog or cat hang out on the couch or chair when you have a furniture protector in place. Whether you have a loveseat, sofa or chair, there’s a reversible protector that fits. In neutral colors, these covers are made with a water-resistant coating so if the pet has a little accident or chooses to use the couch as a bathing location, you don’t have to worry about moisture soaking into your upholstery. Furniture protectors are simple to install and machine washable, making it easy to maintain a clean home.
Purchase a Scratching Post
Cats naturally scratch things for a variety of reasons. First, the cat might be working at removing the outer claw layer that has died. Second, the cat might be marking his territory. Finally, the cat might just need to stretch and flex, which always includes a good stretch of the toes and claws. If you have a cat tower or scratching post in the home, the cat will have somewhere to do this. The Trixie Soria Column Cat Tower is a great design to tuck into a corner so it doesn’t take up too much space in your living room. There are also mounts you can attach to the wall, such as the Primetime Petz Hauspanther Step Perch , so the cat can get some climbing in, as well as some scratching.
Use a Pet Deterrent
For both dogs and cats, there are products you can spray on or adhere to your furniture in an effort to deter the animals. For example, the Grannicks Bitter Apple Atomizer Spray can be sprayed directly on your furniture. Dogs don’t like the smell or taste of this non-toxic deterrent, so they’ll typically refrain from biting, licking and chewing. Most sprays are color-free and dye-free, which means they won’t stain your furniture, though you should test any spray deterrent in an inconspicuous area first.
If a spray doesn’t sound like something you want to deal with, an adhesive such as the Pioneer Pet Sticky Paws Cat Scratch Deterrent is a sound solution. These strips can be adhered right onto your furniture, giving it a texture cats do not like. It’s a harmless product that works well at keeping your cats from scratching the corners of your couches, chairs and tables.
Give Your Pet Some Personal Space
Your home is your home, and as much as you love your pet, it’s OK to keep the dog in his own space. If you have a spare room you’re no longer in need of, transform it into Fluffy’s room. Put an old couch in there so the dog can stay comfortable. Be sure the room has plenty of dog toys, blankets and a specific dog bed, but also include items that will make it feel homey, such as family photos, a lamp and other items you’d have in your living room.
If you live in an area where it’s safe to keep your dog outdoors, you might work at giving your dog a personal outdoor space. This could include a fenced-in yard area complete with obstacles he can climb and areas where he can dig. Be sure you build a dog house, such as the Merry Products The Barn Large Outdoor Dog House so your pet can feel at home. This personal space will allow your pet an area where he can scratch, dig, drool and do all the other things a pet will do, without you worrying about your furniture.
Get Creative and Get Started
As a pet owner, you love your furry friend, but that doesn’t mean you have to love what he is doing to your furniture. Whether you’re dealing with drool, urine, fur or scratch marks, it’s never fun to worry about the effects of a pet on your upholstery. Get creative with ways you can protect your furniture using some of the products at Baxter Boo. To learn more about the products available, contact Baxter Boo today at 888-887-0063.
