Let's Start with the Obvious: Potty Accidents
Your little pup is going to have to learn that going to the bathroom is only allowed when he's outside. Using products like puppy pads and a crate could help your puppy learn the rules. In the meantime, though, you also need to be patient and gentle with your pooch, as accidents might happen.
If you notice that your pup has had an accident on your carpet, clean it up right away so that stains and smells don't set in. That way, your carpet can remain fresh, without any lingering odor. And the same holds true if your puppy vomits clean it right away so there's no trace of it left behind.
Just don't use any cleaners that contain ammonia, as the smell that remains could confuse your dog and make him think that that's the place where he can pee again. You certainly don't want that!
Note: If you aren't sure about what products to use to clean your particular carpet, consult experts like those at Denver Carpet & Flooring. You don't want to accidentally use a product that does more harm than good, and you want to stick with cleaning solutions that the carpet manufacturer recommends.
Clean Your Carpets, and Your Puppy
When you have a pet, keeping your carpets clean might require daily vacuuming that removes pet hair and dander. Plus, if your dog tracks dirt in from the great outdoors, vacuuming it up can help ensure your carpets will continue looking as great as the day they were installed.
In addition to keeping your floors clean, brushing and bathing your pooch is also a great idea. Brush his coat to remove loose hair that would otherwise get all over the carpet, and bathe your dog whenever necessary to keep his skin and fur nice and clean. Remember: if your dog doesn't stink, it's less likely that his odor will rub off onto the carpet.
Also, when your puppy comes in from outside, train him to have his paws wiped clean. That way, you can prevent dirt, mud, and debris from contaminating your home and getting stuck in your carpet's fibers. And, as an extra line of defense, you can even place a dog doormat outside your door so your pooch can wipe his paws on the way in.
What About Puppies That Dig and Scratch at the Carpet
You know how dogs like to dig when they're outside playing in the grass? Well, that behavior might happen in your home, and your puppy might target your carpets. Yikes!
Here are a few strategies that you can use to help deter this unwanted behavior (remember, positive reinforcement is best when training a puppy, so avoid using aggressive tactics like scolding or punishing your pet):
- Increase the amount of time that you spend playing with your puppy so that he can release his energy in a positive way. Indoor and outdoor play each day is recommended to help prevent boredom that might lead to negative behaviors in the house.
- Give your puppy a variety of toys to play with, including puzzle toys that stimulate his mind. Toys that hide treats, such as snuffle mats, can also be a fun way for your pet to hunt for his food while preventing boredom. And, if your dog is trying to dig his way under some furniture, check under there to see if a toy is lost, as that might be his motivation for scratching at your carpeting.
- If you aren't going to be home for a while, or you want to ensure your pooch behaves while you're sleeping, consider training him to rest in a crate. However, if your puppy is acting out because he's experiencing separation anxiety, consult with your veterinarian for tips on how to calm your pet down so that he can be more confident when he's alone.
- Did you know that digging might be your dog's way of trying to create a comfy spot to sleep in? By providing your pooch with a soft doggie bed of his own, he might stop scratching at your carpeting.
- Does your dog try to bury things, such as treats or bones, in the carpet? Removing those items and allowing him to have them only in certain areas of your house might help stop him from damaging your floors.
Maybe Upgrade Your Flooring?
Carpeting is fabulous, but it might not be the ideal flooring choice for a home with pets. If you can't keep up with cleaning messes and keeping your carpets spotless, there are other types of floors that you can have installed to replace your carpeting. For example, you might find it a lot easier to keep tiles or laminate flooring clean when you have a puppy.
If you really love having carpeting in certain rooms in your home, and you don't want to have to give that up because you have pets, it's worth looking into modern carpet options that are designed to be resistant to stains, easier to clean, and more durable. You might be surprised by the many new products that are available to make your life easier, whether you prefer Berber carpets, plush carpets, or anything in between.
Check out the showroom at Denver Carpet & Flooring, or schedule a free in-home consultation, to see what your options are, and to have your new flooring installed by experts you can trust to get the job done right. Before you know it, you'll have the best of both worlds: flooring you'll be proud to show off, and a puppy that gives you unconditional love and companionship.
Sources:
https://www.imperialwholesale.com/inspiration-center/how-to-puppy-proof-your-carpet
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/tips-keep-your-carpet-clean-pets.htm
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/keeping-your-carpet-clean-with-a-dog/
https://pets.thenest.com/stop-dogs-scratching-carpet-3516.html
