Babysitting some frenetic Bostons

My mom's sweet, lovable Boston Terriers are coming to visit while she is on vacation--but I'm worried about my couches. The youngest gets excited sometimes and jumps up on her leather couches in a frenzy with the agility of a mountain goat, leaving long nail marks in the leather. My mom has accepted it as the price she has to pay for having her favorite Boston Terrier dog breed. I have leather couches, too and I don't want him to do that to my couches. Any suggestions? I've considered everything from covering the couches with sheets (not sure that is enough protection), to blocking off the room with baby gates to putting my couches in the garage for two weeks (super impractical!) Thanks for any help!

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Babysitting some frenetic Bostons

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Jul 12, 2010
 Bostons & leather
by: Linda Galway/TurnerME

I have two Bostons, and one of them is a "digger" but not outdoors, just on the couches or chairs ? and they're all leather. (Great for keeping clean if you have pets!) Usually, we put a very thick blanket on the couch, tucked in, and doubled and tripled over to cover the seat portion, plus a lighter blanket. If he wants to dig, he just moves the lighter blanket around until he gets it positioned for a "nest," as we call it. The thing to do is to protect your couches and chairs as best you can while they are with you. You also might try scolding or "no dig!" or try to keep them off the couch, but if you don't have the energy to keep after them, just protect. i can't use gates because my open floor plan doesn't work with that, but it is a good option. I do keep them in their crates while I have company many times, especially if there are little kids and it's confusing and exciting for all involved. I put them upstairs in an air conditioned bedroom, put the TV on, close the door and say "Watch the house," which makes them think we're leaving... Good luck!
Jul 12, 2010
 Couch Protection
by: Mary

Cover them good cuz our Boston's can un-cover them in 2 seconds! Putting them away sounds nice too and blocking the room will probably be your best bet. Maybe a nice combination of blocking and covering but be sure to tuck in the covering very tightly.
Oh, and thanks for the babysitting. They are lucky to have you!
Jul 12, 2010
 baby gates
by: Trula

If you can, the baby gates are the best solution. Otherwise, go to your local thrift store and buy some thick used blankets and cover them with those. Bostons love to cover up and will play with the blankets and it will help with your couches. If you are having them for two weeks you need to boston proof your house. I have seven right now and I have found a lot of things I need to keep away from them or they will eat them. They get bored easily and must have toys and chewies and blankets, mine love to play with the blankets.

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