“Should I take my dog off the couch?” This is a common question for dog trainers and behavior consultants, but there are different ideas about whether it’s OK to let your dog sit on the couch.
Many families invite their dog onto the couch for a nap or to watch a movie. Some people don’t like having their dog on the furniture, and that’s okay.
Whatever your decision, everyone involved in your dog’s life must be on the same page. Otherwise, your dog will be confused and you will be irritated.
Should I put my dog on the furniture?
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. However, there are pros and cons to letting your dog sit on your couch, bed, or other furniture.
It’s great to have your dog with you on the couch or bed Experience the bond between people and pets. It can also provide additional physical comfort, especially for older dogs. one 2018 survey It was also found that women sleep better when they share a bed with a dog.
However, allowing your dog to lounge on your furniture can create extra chores as they leave behind hair and dirt. Some dogs may find it fun to chew on pillows and blankets.
However, there is one important factor that will influence your decision whether to put your dog on the furniture or not. It’s about protecting resources. If your dog growls when you approach while he’s on the furniture, it’s probably best to keep him away from there.
Also, if your dog exhibits resource guarding behavior, call a certified behavior consultant or applied animal behaviorist for behavior modification assistance.
How can I keep my dog off the couch?
You can keep your dog away from the sofa by: Use positive reinforcement to teach them where to rest instead. dog bed. Patience, consistency and clarity are key.
1. Establish rules during puppyhood
Begin a no-couch policy as soon as you bring your puppy home. Make sure you have everything fun and engaging. dog toyson the floor and easily accessible to your pup.
This is a good method for young puppies who have not previously been allowed to sit on the couch. But if you’re adopting an older dog who already has a history of jumping on the couch with a previous family member and you can’t teach him how to do it on his own, seek help from a certified positive reinforcement trainer.
2. Provide a dog-friendly space
All dogs need a safe, comfortable space to relax. Choose a space that is not in a high traffic area. If your dog has a habit of going to a certain place on his own, put the bed there.
Without preferred bedding, your dog may be reluctant to relax anywhere other than the couch. Try a few different beds to find what your dog prefers. I also have a favorite dog raised cot other people bed with bolster. Senior dogs may benefit from an orthopedic dog bed made of thick memory foam.
3. Spend time on the floor
Spend time with your dog on the floor or in his own space so he doesn’t miss you. If all you have is the couch, that’s exactly where your dog wants to be.
Play with them on the floor, and when they’re ready for a nap, put them in your bed or crate.
4. Use positive reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement to get your dog to rest on the bed instead of the couch. To do this:
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Make sure everyone living with your dog is on the same page. Everyone should be willing to help the dog learn where to settle.
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teach “Go to bed” signal. Start by choosing a bed that fits your dog’s needs and preferences.
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Place your bed near the sofa and walk your dog there. When he gets on the bed, praise him and feed him. dog treats.
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Ask your dog to lie down, praise him, and give him a second treat. Continue giving treats every few seconds until it stays on the bed, then let go.
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Repeat this process until your dog goes to bed on his own and lies down. Praise it, feed it, and release it.
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When they are lying in bed, say “on the bed” to emphasize the cue. Once it’s in place, praise and feed it.
5. Be consistent
Consistency is key to success. If your dog is allowed to sit on the couch with some family members from time to time and not others, he won’t understand the constantly changing rules.
A dog that can rest on the couch every once in a while will try to continue doing so and may even make more of an effort. Being able to access the couch even once is reinforcing and reinforces the behavior. Not being allowed to sit on the couch may cause irritation and even anxiety.
Pet parents can look for a certified professional dog trainer to teach them how to keep their dog off the couch, avoid mistakes, and speed up the process.
Frequently asked questions about keeping your dog off the couch
What should I put on my sofa to keep dogs away?
Anything that might scare your dog when trying to get on the couch should be avoided. This is especially true if you have a fearful dog or if you recently rescued a dog who is just getting used to a new home.
Most dogs are interested in cushions, so try removing them and leaning them against a wall or the back of a sofa. If the spring remains, your dog may lose interest and move away from the couch.
How do I get my dog off the couch?
Training and management are the most effective steps to keep your dog off the couch. Sleeping on a bed requires more reinforcement than on a sofa, so use positive reinforcement if you want to settle into a bed and restrict access to furniture.
How can I protect my sofa from dogs?
A surefire and humane way to keep your couch safe from dogs is to keep your dog out of the room where your couch is when you’re not there. Another answer is to crate train your dog.
If your puppy has confinement issues, dog house Block access to furniture.
Don’t use anything that could frighten or hurt your dog if it jumped up. Using fear-inducing tactics such as poop mats, pots and pans, and other items can cause fear and anxiety in your pet.
