For many people, a dog on the furniture is taboo, an unacceptable behavior. Others may be wishy-washy in their choice. But know this: Once the dog becomes used to getting on the couch or bed, it becomes a learned behavior. Fortunately, any learned behavior can be unlearned if everyone in the household consistently enforces the new rules.
No Right or Wrong
Allowing your dog on the furniture is a personal choice. Many of us enjoy this co-habitation, but some of us don’t. Others are fine with sharing furniture with their pet but protect furniture with covers that can be laundered regularly. If you simply do not want your dog on any furniture, you must teach him that human furniture is off-limits and be consistent about the rule.
For those considering a puppy and haven’t decided about the furniture rule, consider this: That cute little puppy you snuggled with that took up a quarter of your pillow will soon grow up and may take up more of the bed than you, or your spouse, are willing to give up. And dirty paws aren’t always caught at the door. And then there is the fur. Nobody wants to lay their head down on a fur-covered pillow.
How to Keep Dogs Off The Furniture
Assuming your dog already climbs on the furniture, you will need to re-educate her:
- Don’t allow her to climb on the furniture. Don’t give in to pleading eyes. Don’t allow other family members to do so, either. EVER. As in all behavior modification, what is most important is to be consistent.
- If you catch your dog on the furniture, remove her immediately.
Firmly (but without anger) gently take her by the collar and lead her off the bed, chair, or sofa while giving her the command “off.” Do not reward this or you may train her to intentionally get on the bed (or chair or sofa) in hopes of getting a treat. Just say “off,” remove her, and relocate her.
- From sprays to noise makers, there are numerous products that can help “remind” your dog of the new rule as she begins to climb up. But, for those to work, you need to catch her in the act.
Furniture Barriers
If you’re in another room or not at home, and your dog is free in the house instead of crated, you will need to use a blockade method:
- Close bedroom doors and block off access to rooms where the temptation is greatest.
- Strategically place boxes onto the sofa to physically block access.
- Consider using gate barriers like baby gates. They are convenient, easy to install, and designed to not damage your furniture.
Keep in mind, though, where there’s a will there’s a way and many dogs figure out ways to jump over, dig under, or push aside barriers. Choose your barriers with that in mind; be prepared to switch them out periodically.
Reminders
To help remind your dog that furniture is for humans not dogs, consider the use of products that can be preset and work with or without your presence:
- Mats with a noise emitting mechanism (think Whoopie Cushion) will startle, without harming, any culprit.
- In-home cameras with audio capabilities allow you to check in and give a remote “off” command. The omnipotent voice may shock your furry BFF into remembering the rule. However, over time, dogs may learn that the voice command has no real immediate repercussions so they may ignore your remote corrections.
The best way to teach your dog to stay off furniture is to never let your dog on the furniture in the first place. This is especially important when adopting a new dog. If you allow your dog on the furniture (even once!), your dog considers this permission. Preventing the unwanted behavior in the first place is far easier on you and your dog than changing the rules.