Dogs Scratching Leather Sofas

Apply Oil

• If your dog lightly scratched your leather sofa, you can fix the damage with oil. Apply olive oil or orange tree oil to a soft, dry cloth. Move the cloth in a circular motion to massage the oil into the scratches. This process reduces the visibility of the scratches. Alternatively, an unscented skin moisturizer or lotion also works to minimize scratches.

Use Heat

• Hot air is a second way to fix scratches on your leather couch. Turn on a hairdryer with an adjustable temperature. Direct the hairdryer at your hand for several seconds. If the air burns your hand, turn the temperature down to the next lowest level. When the hot air feels comfortable, point the hairdryer at the scratches on the couch. Hold the hairdryer a few inches above the couch, and rub the scratches at the same time. The heat pulls the dye in the couch to the surface, hiding the scratches.

Keep Your Dog off the Couch

• Once you have repaired the scratches, train your dog to stay off the couch so you don't need to worry about more damage in the future. Dogs respond well to praise and treats. Choose a simple word to say when you want the dog to get off the couch, such as "off," "down" or "floor." Don't change the word once you start using it, since this will confuse the dog. When you want the dog to get off the couch, say your cue word and then toss one of the dog's favorite treats on the floor. Praise the dog when it gets off the couch and eats the treat. Repeat this process every day for at least one week. After a while, eliminate or reduce the frequency of the treats. The dog will learn to get off the couch whenever you say the cue word.

Cut Your Dog's Nails

• If you don't want to restrict your dog's access to the couch, consider cutting its nails. Trimming its claws greatly reduces the damage it can do to leather. Use special clippers, such as guillotine trimmers. Ask a partner to help you restrain the dog, since most dogs dislike having their nails cut. When you cut the nails, only cut the white tip. The pink part of the nail is called the quick and contains nerves and blood vessels. If you cut the quick, you will hurt the dog and the nail will bleed. If the dog has black claws and you cannot see the quick, make several very tiny cuts at the tip of each claw to avoid injuring the dog.