Simple skills you can use to train your dog to go easy with the carpets and furniture

It's agreed, we love dogs, no question. But there's one type we cringe at -- the out-of-control pet who scratches doors and chews up carpets with impunity because he's gotten control of his owner's home. From when they're only puppies, dogs are in demolition mode and have to be controlled. If you can't get their obedience, then prepare for an attack of nerves every time he sidles up to your new chair!

We all want our pet to be the neat-and-tidy exception, dogs who chew and scratch the rugs and furniture are very common. They seem to ignore their owners' prayers that they would leave their wild side for when they're outside.

Yes. And in just a few easy steps.

For starters, be sure your dog isn't ripping up your carpet to spite you. Spite is found in children, not pet dogs. A dog chews at your mat because he is after company, is idle, has been put on edge with a worry, or is impatient for company.

It is widely accepted that when dogs are tearing with their teeth and digging with their paws they are simply acting out normal emotions. Somehow these things are part of being a normal, well-adjusted healthy dog. So, if this is going on on the back of your best lounge chair, that's just too bad!

Accept that your pet will need to tussle and savage something. Just step in and train him to do it on something that is not a carpet or a piece of furniture. That means toys! He's got to eventually realize that the best furniture pieces are not for clawing.

You can use a simple system of rewards to train a dog to play with his new toy. One way is to manage how your dog plays. That is, don't leave him unsupervised in his play area. Get onto the ground with him and encourage him to play with, and enjoy, the new toyyou've given him. When he does, give him a reward. This is a standard way of reinforcing behavior.

When it comes to playing outside, assign a special section of dirt or sand where he can dig and do no harm. You don't want to limit his play. This will channel his instincts.

Dogs are smart. They know your habits. If they realise that they are going to be treated to something they like they will often get excited. They will rush around and your furniture may very well suffer another attack of teeth or claws. Get involved. Channel his emotional responses to his toys and show him how to substitute chewing on the carpet with biting on his toy.

A suggestion that usually works is to teach him to greet you when you come with his toy in his mouth. He'll quickly learn this if you refuse to give him a hearty greeting, or your normal enthusiastic greeting, until he has the toy in his mouth. First ask him to "bring" the toy and only then greet him. It won't take long for the dog to figure out how to get that attention he so eagerly wants!

If you can find ways to switch your dog's focus from the rugs and the sofa to his toys, your life will be sweeter and your home look much tidier.