How to Prevent Dogs From Clawing Carpets

When you come home and find that your dog has clawed up your new Berber carpet, or ripped your new Persian area rug to shreds, you are likely to be very upset. However, it's important to remember that your dog isn't doing this maliciously -- your four-legged friend is expressing some needs, and if you can figure out how to meet this need, your carpets will be spared.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog nail clippers
  • Dog bed
  • Cowbell
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Instructions

    • 1

      Walk your dog regularly -- at least once a day. Your distance and speed will vary depending on your dog's size and age. Some larger breeds are even excellent running companions. Dogs have a lot of energy, and yours may be clawing the rugs to get rid of that energy. Spending time with your dog this way will make it happy -- and get rid of that extra energy.

    • 2

      Pay attention to what your dog does after clawing the carpet. Does it then lie down for a while? Your dog may just be following its instincts, which include arranging an area for comfortable rest. Go out and buy a bed big enough for your dog, and put some bones or toys on it.

    • 3

      Hang a cowbell on the door that your dog uses when it's time to follow the call of nature. The first few times you let the dog out, ring the bell. Your dog will learn to rattle the door and ring the bell to let you know that it needs to go out. If the carpet clawing was your dog's prior signal, be glad that your dog was bothering to let you know, instead of just finding a quiet spot to leave you a "surprise" later on.

    • 4

      Get out the nail clippers once a week and cut your dog's claws. If they get too long, your dog will try to do the job itself, and your carpet may be the most convenient filing surface. If your dog is too antsy to let you do this, or if this is too messy for you, it is very inexpensive to have a groomer do this.