Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
There’s nothing quite like curling up on your cozy couch with your pup until you have a special piece of furniture they can’t go on. We love having our doggies on furniture with us, but it isn’t always a safe place for them to be—for them or perhaps the special furniture.
If you’re struggling with a pup who loves climbing onto every single piece of furniture, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Dogs naturally seek comfort, warmth, and closeness, which makes your sofa or bed incredibly appealing. But if you’d prefer to keep your furry friend off certain furniture, you can train them with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Signs to Watch For
One of the best ways to keep your dog off a certain couch is to give it a comfy place to sleep. A plush dog bed, a soft blanket, or even a cushioned crate can serve as an inviting alternative. Place it near your usual hangout spot so your pup still feels included.
Reward your dog when they make the right choice. Offer praise, treats, or a belly rub if they settle on their bed instead of the not-pup-friendly furniture. Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, so make their bed more rewarding than the furniture!
If your dog is already on the furniture, gently guide them off and say “Off” in a firm but calm tone. The moment their paws touch the floor, reward them with praise or a treat. Over time, they’ll learn that staying off the couch leads to good things.
Consistency is key in dog training. If you sometimes allow your pup on the furniture but not at other times, they’ll get confused. Make sure everyone in the household follows the same rules.
If your dog keeps sneaking onto the no-no furniture, try placing aluminum foil, double-sided tape, or furniture protectors on the cushions. Dogs dislike these textures and will be less tempted to jump up.
If you’re fine with your dog being on furniture only at certain times, use a specific cue like “Up” to signal when they are allowed. This way, they learn that jumping up is by invitation only.
Sometimes, dogs jump on furniture out of boredom. Make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-behaved.
Training your dog to stay off certain furniture won’t happen overnight, but with patience and consistency, they’ll learn. Remember, it’s not about punishing your pup—it’s about guiding them toward better behavior in a loving way. With a cozy alternative, positive reinforcement, and clear rules, your dog will soon be lounging where they’re supposed to.
Family Photo of the Day: Panda Lee Bear!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
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Dog of the day: IG goldenretrieverblu_
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