What about not allowing them outdoor access when you are not home? This way you can always clean their feet when they come in?

Our what about having slipcovers made for the couches, if they are family heirlooms it might be the best way to protect them.

I am a HUGE neat freak- I am constantly cleaning, have never worn shoes in the house, won't walk outside with bare feet or socks, always clean off the dogs feet when they come in, etc. However, having dogs you also have to know there are certain things you cant have. Everything I buy, i buy with them in mind. I love the look of a crisp white bed (white sheets, white quilt, etc.) but I know I can't have that, so I buy darker bedding knowing that they sleep with me. I chose a dark grey microfiber type couch because this was supposed to be one of the easiest fabrics to keep clean and it shows NO dirt, ever- its not my dream couch but it works for us plus it wasn't too expensive because I know it will not last 20 years in a house with pets. These are the sacrifices you make for pets- but really when you compare sacrificing furniture for the love animals give you- it seems silly- they win out every time.

Lila's feet/private parts get wiped down with a soap/water when we come in from outside. Also, I have a throw on the couch and that's easily washable. As for my bed, I have a mattress protector underneath my sheets.

Check out this system, it's cheaper than potty pads, and I've put some info in there too.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...while-ago.html

:thumbup::thumbup:

I keep throws on my couches and shake them out frequently and wash them and bedclothing very frequently. Tibbe walks on 2 floor mats - one after the other placed on the floor in the utility room when he comes in and I sometimes wipe off his feet with a towel before he comes into the house proper so I keep him clean in the house. I also check his coat over in the utility room and take him out to the porch to brush him off if he's gotten leaves or something stuck to it. Saves a lot of house cleaning to keep the dog spotless before he gets back into the house. Since I sleep with and have Tibbe as a lapdog, he also gets frequent baths. He's welcome anywhere I am.

I've always been a little OCD about keeping a clean house...people are often surprised that I even have a dog. Roxie is allowed on the couches and the recliner in the living room...all of which are brown leather. I have leather wipes, and I wipe them down from time to time. They still look as gorgeous as they did when I bought them. She doesn't scratch or chew furniture. She doesn't go upstairs (her choice) where the bedrooms and the light gray carpet are, so thankfully I don't really have to worry about that.

Roxie is outdoor trained only, so there are plenty of times where rain and snow produce dirty feet and a dirty belly. I keep a few old towels by the front door. If it's raining, I will put one on the floor and tell her to go wipe her feet when we come in. She will go walk over the towel a bit. If she's wet, she'll dry her head on it too. I also keep baby wipes nearby in case I need them for her feet or butt.