We are pet lovers at Amish Originals.  You can sometimes find more than just service animals taking a stroll through the store and we are more than happy to open our doors for your four-legged family members.  However, we understand the challenges that some of our poorly behaved canine and feline friends can pose when it comes to furniture and those “nice things” that we all have in our homes.

 

Because dogs and cats are, to state the obvious, different—we’ve got some helpful tips broken down by which furry companion you have in your home.

 

Dogs

 

·      Boredom and stress are the two biggest culprits when wondering why your dog is chewing on chair legs or other furniture.  Exercise can both physically and mentally stimulate your dog, giving them an outlet for energy that would otherwise be directed towards your furniture.

·      Provide toys that will engage and interest them such as tough rubber cylinders (like a Kong) filled with peanut butter or a treat dispensing toy

·      If your dog can’t be supervised at all times in your home, consider crate training.  Lots of folks don’t want to keep their dogs caged at home, but crate training does do an excellent job at setting boundaries and keeping those special items safe

·      Try bitter tasting sprays or natural products like cayenne pepper as chew deterrents for wood furniture

 

 

Cats

·      When selecting upholstery, avoid fabrics that have a “loop” to them.  Even if your cat is not actively trying to scratch, his or her claws will pull and snag the fabric.

·      Consider purchasing some double-sided tape furniture protectors (found at pet stores); they’re not a long-term solution but since cats hate getting anything stuck on their fur, they work well as you “train” your cat to avoid certain items

·      Keep cardboard scratching boxes near furniture to give cats an alternative to that new couch leg

·      Think like your feline when you are arranging your home decor!  If you have things within easy reach (tassels, cords from window blinds, etc.) that look like toys—your cat will probably find them.  Do your best to disguise or hide these items when your cat is unsupervised.

Hopefully, these tips will help maintain the delicate balance between your furry friends and your furniture!

 

From our home to yours,

Amish Originals

 

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