Dog claws and carpet/furniture.

[BananaPuddings]

I'm neither a lover nor hater of dogs, but I don't know much about them, hence the post.

My sister has a much loved dog, she had always had dogs. We see her out with the dog for walks fairly often and occasionally I visit my sister, but when she comes to me (more frequently because I have toddlers and she is single) our Mum looks after the dog (at my Mum's house) because of the toddlers and our small house.

This weekend my sister would like to bring the dog. I'm happy to see the dog, I want my sister to feel welcome, but I'm confused about dog rules. I don't really want the dog on the bed or furniture, but that is what she does at home.

Sister has dog friendly house and hard floors, as dog is (fairly!) a priority for her. I have woollen carpets upstairs and I'm worried about the dog's claws damaging the carpet.

AIBU: make sister and dog unconditioanlly welcome
AINBU: ask sister to cut dog's nails and/or keep dog downstairs

Your house, your rules?

It's okay to ask someone to keep their dog to certain areas of your home?

As far as cutting nails, not sure they need cutting if they are already blunt or gone to the groomers and had this done. Do you know if your sister cuts the dogs nails herself?

Presumably only a problem if the dog goes upstairs which you've already said you don't want to happen.

Thanks for the quick reply!
I think the dog will have to go upstairs as she sleeps on sisters bed. I could ask sister to sleep downstairs but this seems unwelcoming to say the least!

@BananaPuddings no worries!

Does she have a dog taxi so it can sleep in there while at your home? A dog bed?

Dogs tend to sleep all night and not really roam around until they think their person is awake.

It's ok to tell her you prefer for the dog to not sleep on the bed.

I never assume that my dog is allowed to behave in another house in the same way they're allowed to be in my own house. I would always seek permission and allow less than what I've been given permission to do just in case the person is trying to be nice but really doesn't want certain things done etc!

When we're at someone else's home, I never let my dogs on the furniture, roam the house unattended (or at all), go wherever they want to go, only use predetermined areas for toilet etc.

Thanks @MyPuppyLuv. I don't know what a dog taxi is but i will google! Dog bed, i think not, I haven't seen one at her house.

You sound like a very considerate person.

@BananaPuddings aw, no problem!

Meant to say pet carrier, apologies. Dog taxi is the brand of mine but not the name for the generic carriers. Here's a link to Pets at Home:

https://www.petsathome.com/product/pets-at-home-roadrunner-2-with-metal-door-cat-and-small-dog-plastic-carrier-medium/7116418P?productId=7116418&size=medium

My dogs sleep in one for safety. They love it and their little blanket and snuggle buddy that goes in there with them!

I've had dogs for years and have wool carpets, claws won't damage them. You're far more likely to get damage from a toddler dropping stuff on a carpet than a dog causing problems. It will be fine. Enjoy your time with your sister!

We have carpets throughout our house and have never had any damage from the dog. Your carpets will be fine.

I have a dog, his claws don't cause any damage to carpets or furniture (unlike cats which can use furniture as a scratching post). If you don't want the dog on furniture though that's a very reasonable request - my dog's allowed on the sofa at my house but I don't allow him up in anyone else's house. Depending on the dog, they may not be happy sleeping on a different floor to their owner if they're not used to that or have separation issues - mine for example would howl and no-one would get any sleep. So you may have to allow him/her in the bedroom but not on the bed. I find that better anyway because it means my dog is not unattended and he can't make a sneaky attempt to get on the sofa at 3am! (I have also sometimes slept downstairs on an airbed or sofabed when needed too if he can't come upstairs for any reason). Have a nice time with your sister.

Same.

Cats, OTOH - cats can wreak havoc on carpets and furnishing fabrics.

I have to say that I've never had any problems with my dog's claws damaging carpets or furnishings, and I've had seven dogs over the years. I don't think it's something you need to be particularly worried about.

Oh yes, cats are menaces (I have a destroyed sofa to show for that 🙄)

Carpets will be fine. I’d suggest buying a cheap fleece blanket and asking her to get the dog to sleep on top of that on the bed if you’re worried about hairs.