As a devoted pet parent, your dog has you wrapped around their little paw, but that doesn’t mean you can’t set boundaries. Making the sofa a no-pet zone doesn’t mean you love your pup any less. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to keep doggy odors and pet hair off the furniture. But how do you keep your dog off the couch?
How Do I Get My Dog Off the Couch?
If your dog knows from the very beginning that they don’t belong on the furniture, it’s usually a done deal. Any time they attempt to get on the couch, simply tell them to get off and move them back to the floor. When you set the expectation from the moment you bring your precious pup home and never let them on the couch, they tend to get the message.
However, like people, dogs have different personalities, so your pup may have a stubborn streak. Or, maybe you let them on the sofa one time for special snuggles, and now they think they have eminent domain over the entire home. If your dog won’t stay off the furniture like you want them to, then it’s time to review the rules (or teach them for the first time).
Tips to Train Your Dog to Stay Off the Couch
As with any successful training process, consistency is your best friend. It’s important to teach your dog what you expect of them by consistently rewarding desired behavior and redirecting them when they get on the furniture.
Plus, if you want your dog to stay off the furniture, provide them with a comfy place to sleep and rest. Including something with your scent in their sleeping area helps, like an old T-shirt. You may want to place a cozy bed in the rooms you frequent for social pups that always need to be by you. For example, you might keep a dog bed in your home office, the main living area, and your bedroom.
Once you’ve set up an irresistible lounge spot for Fido, follow these steps to keep your dog off the furniture.
1. Use the “Off” Command
Whenever you see your dog attempt to get on the couch, say “Off!” in a firm voice and redirect them to the floor. As soon as they comply, praise them and give them a yummy treat to reinforce the desired behavior.
2. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Watch your dog and repeat the “off” command any time they attempt to get on the sofa or any other furniture that’s off-limits. Use the treat to guide them to the floor. Keep repeating this process until your dog responds to the off-command without needing a treat.
Although it’s only two steps, that doesn’t mean to expect the overall process to be easy. It all depends on how receptive your pooch is to training (and how stubborn). Therefore, some dogs respond more quickly than others, which is why consistency is essential.
Also, remain patient and calm, focusing on positive reinforcement. If you get angry or frustrated and yell at your dog when they get on the couch, that doesn’t help. If anything, it leads to anxious dogs and more stress for you.
Decide If Your Dog Can Go on the Couch With Your Permission
Some pet parents allow their dogs on the furniture in special circumstances. Needless to say, this could be confusing for your pup if there isn’t any rhyme or reason to it. You can’t simply allow your dog on the couch and then try to tell them to get off the next time they jump up.
Instead, if you plan to give your dog access to the furniture occasionally, you must teach them the “Up” command or something similar. Basically, you’re showing your dog that they may only get on the couch with your permission.
Teaching Your Dog the “Up” Command
Protect a section of the couch with a blanket or sheet, sit down, then pat the covered spot and eagerly say, “Up!” to your dog. Putting your dog on a leash might help with this step if they hesitate. Try using their favorite toy to lure them onto the couch. When they jump up next to you, praise them and give them a treat.
This might initially bewilder your pup, but in time, they should understand that they may only come onto the sofa with your permission. Therefore, it’s essential to continue to stay consistent with the “off” command.
How Do I Keep My Dog Off the Couch When I’m Not Home?
Think about a teenager who promises Mom and Dad they won’t throw a party, and then as soon as they’re home alone, it’s party time. Now, imagine your dog when you bid them farewell for the day. Your dog dutifully lies down in their bed, you leave, and then your pup makes a beeline for the couch.
How can you guarantee your dog won’t jump on the furniture the second you’re out of the house? You could get a doggy camera, like the Furbo, and keep tabs on them. Aim it toward the sofa, and anytime you see Fido approaching, deliver your command and dispense a treat.
Of course, the problem with this is, do you really have the time to watch your dog 24/7 while you’re away? Or perhaps you have a super smart pup that starts to get whenever they try to get on the sofa a tasty treat pops out of this robot-looking thing. So what do you do when you’re not home to keep your dog off the furniture?
Create Barriers to Keep Your Dog Off the Furniture
Setting up barriers to block your dog from any off-limits areas, including the couch, is one of the only ways to guarantee they don’t break the rules. You could crate your dog while away or use safety gates to block the room.
Set Up a Dog Room
Depending on your house’s layout and available space, you might consider keeping your dog in a designated room whenever you’re gone. This could be your bedroom or a spare room that’s especially for your pup. Make sure they have fresh water, a comfy bed, and some toys. Also, provide a few distractions to keep them engaged, like a licking mat, so they don’t become bored.
Protect the Furniture from Your Dog
What if crate training isn’t an option, gates aren’t practical (you have an open living area, etc.), and there’s no spare room? The next best thing would be to protect the furniture. Try a couch cover, chair cover, or even a washable sheet or blanket.
This doesn’t mean you start letting your dog have free reign all the time. Remain consistent with your demands that they stay off the couch. The covers simply offer a layer of protection if your pup decides to get a little rebellious when you’re at work.
If you return home to find your dog snuggled in their bed, but there are tell-tale signs of fur on the couch, it’s too late to admonish them. Give the sofa a few swipes with the FurDozer and follow through with the rules when you’re with your dog.
Check out the Neater Pets blog for more helpful training tips and other ways to make life with your pup the best it can be.