How to Protect Furniture from Dogs

Two dogs sitting on living room furniture with furniture protectors.

Tips for Making Your Furniture Dog-Friendly

If you have the great fortune of sharing your life with a canine you know it’s not always easy to keep them off sofas, chairs, and beds. It’s soft, comfortable, and often, it’s a way to get close to you. Even if you don’t have a strict “keep the dog off the couch” policy, we all feel the need to protect furniture. There are a few easy steps you can take to relieve stress, protect your investment in home décor, and make every member of the family feel at home, including the four-legged ones. Whatever the source of the mess—from stray hairs and drool to muddy paws and sharp claws, Orvis has solutions. Settle on the ones that work best for you, then cuddle up on the sofa and give your pup a belly rub.

A dog laying on a Grip-Tight furniture protector on a white couch

Invest in Furniture Protectors

The simplest solution is using washable covers and dog throws to protect your furniture. This requires the least effort on your part. You know where your dog likes to relax. Cover their “spot” with a washable protector. Keep several in rotation so you always have a clean one handy. For the ultimate coverage choose a cover that is specially made to combat dog hair and dirt. Our furniture protectors are essentials for every household with dogs, and especially so for the new dog owner.


Orvis Grip-Tight Furniture Protectors have many advantages over others on the market:  

 

• WILL NOT SLIP

even when your dog jumps on and off, guaranteed


• EXTRA SECURITY

flap tucks under the cushion for a secure fit and weighted arm flaps keep protector in place and can be removed for washing


• COVER IT ALL

four cover sizes and a throw are available to cover chairs, sofas, loveseats, and ottomans


• PROTECT LEATHER AND FABRIC

by keeping hair, dirt, stains, and claw marks off your furniture


• SOFT AND COZY

provides a comfortable sleep surface for your dog


• RESIST MOISTURE

breathable, water-resistant membrane protects your upholstery from moisture

 

A dog sound asleep on a chair.

Choose Durable Upholstery

Some textiles are more forgiving of canine castoffs than others, and leather tops the list: it does not collect hair like other materials do, it’s easy to vacuum, and a quick wipe-down with a moist cloth takes care of most messes.

 

Leather upholstery is durable and attractive—the only thing it really does not like is a sharp toenail poking it. If you choose leather furniture, keep your dog’s nails trimmed; you can even file them to smooth their rough edges.


Microfiber finishes a close second to leather as a dog-friendly material because it’s relatively easy to clean and does not hold odors like other textiles do. Cotton and linen are common upholstery choices but can be less forgiving—they are somewhat easier to keep clean if you vacuum them on a regular basis.


Wool is the worst, as it must be professionally dry cleaned. But if you have wool upholstery and a dog-induced stain that demands immediate attention, apply Woolite® or another gentle detergent to the spot with a soft cloth; be advised that if the material gets too wet it will shrink.

A dog asleep on a dog bed in a living room

Give Them Their Own Space with a Dog Bed

Your dog probably has their own bed, but do they love it? Observe their behavior and consider a new bed that meets their specific preferences. Do they leave their bed for a cool kitchen floor? Is their bed placed where they can observe family activity and feel like part of the pack? Do they seem to navigate to furniture cushions with more support?


The right bed placed in the right spot could be an irresistible alternative to the sofa. A thick bolstered orthopedic foam dog bed is an excellent example. And you can make this a still more attractive option by leaving a favorite toy in their bed and praising your dog when they go on it. If they're unaccustomed to a dog bed, try leaving an item bearing your reassuring smell on it, like an old T-shirt or sweater, at least in the beginning. Choose a bed with a machine washable cover for easy care.

2 puppies being kept out of another room by an Orvis dog gate and some tennis ball toys

Stop Destructive Chewing on Furniture

It’s normal for dogs to chew, for puppies, in particular. But if they are targeting the furniture instead of an appropriate dog toy, follow these strategies:


Make sure your dog has lots of safe, sanctioned toys to satisfy their urge to chew and to stave off boredom. Feed your dog via a refillable toy to keep them occupied.


Undertake a crate training regimen so your dog becomes accustomed to staying contentedly confined in their crate when you are away or can’t directly supervise them.


Alternately, use a dog gate to separate your dog from rooms in your house where they've chewed or destroyed furniture.


A tired dog is a good dog: give your pup plenty of daily opportunities for vigorous exercise and play to help them stay calm when inside.

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A brown and white dog sitting on a chair in a living room
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