Pets are faithful companions that give us joy and unconditional love. However, they can sometimes scratch the furniture in the house or shed hair on the clean sofa or bed. Therefore, it is essential that you teach your furry friend to stay away from furniture. Correcting these bad habits will help you train your pet, at the same time that you create stronger bonds and strengthen your relationship.
Find a more comfortable basket
If your dog or cat sleeps on the sofa or bed, they may not feel comfortable in the basket you bought them. Try to find a better alternative, such as a larger, softer or warmer basket (especially during winter).
You could also change his bed, since he may not like where it is located. Your pet will surely get used to it little by little and will put aside the sofa or bed (at least for a while).
Get a cat scratcher
On the other hand, if your cat continually climbs on the furniture (and is even scratching it) the best alternative is a scratching post. Scratchers are multi-level structures that allow cats to jump, climb, and even sleep on one of the platforms.
These structures allow your cat to have its own space to sleep, play or exercise, so it will gradually move away from your furniture to use its scratching post.
Use snacks as an incentive
If your pet does not want to sleep in his basket, another option is to use snacks as an incentive. Leave treats on his bed or on the scratching post (in the case of cats). So, every time your pet tries to get on the sofa or any piece of furniture exclusively for people, put a treat on his bed.
In this way, your furry will understand that every time he goes to the right place (his basket or scratching post) he will have a healthy snack as a reward.
Limit your pet’s access
If you have just adopted a dog or cat, it is best to set the limits from the beginning and restrict their access to the furniture in the house.
Keep in mind that it will be much more difficult (although not impossible) to break the habit once your pet has learned that he can climb on the sofa, chair or bed. Therefore, stopping this behavior at an early age is essential.
