Pets bring joy, companionship, and love into our homes, but they can also bring challenges, especially when it comes to protecting our furniture. Scratching, chewing, and climbing are natural behaviours for many pets, but they can wreak havoc on our living spaces. At Bails Paw Pet Services, we believe in using positive, Fear Free behavioural training to address these issues. Whether you’re dealing with a mischievous puppy, a curious kitten, or an adult pet with bad habits, our training programs can help you protect your furniture and maintain a harmonious home. Here’s how.

Understanding the Behavior

Before tackling the problem, it’s important to understand why pets damage furniture. Common reasons include:

1. Teething and Chewing: Puppies chew to relieve teething pain, while dogs chew to keep their teeth clean and strong.
2. Scratching: Cats scratch to mark territory, stretch their muscles, and keep their claws healthy.
3. Boredom and Anxiety: Pets may resort to destructive behaviours out of boredom, anxiety, or lack of stimulation.
4. Natural Instincts: Many behaviours, such as digging or climbing, are instinctual and require appropriate outlets.

Tips for Preventing Furniture Damage

1. Provide Appropriate Outlets: Ensure your pet has access to suitable alternatives, such as chew toys for dogs and scratching posts for cats.
2. Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Keep your pet physically and mentally engaged to reduce boredom and anxiety-driven behaviors.
3. Training and Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behaviour with treats and praise to encourage your pet to use the appropriate outlets.
4. Consistent Rules: Ensure all family members are consistent with the rules and training methods to avoid confusing your pet.