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Having a dog that insists on jumping onto furniture like sofas, beds, and chairs is a common frustration for many pet owners. While it can be cute at first to have your pup snuggling up on the couch with you, allowing this behavior in the long-term can lead to dirty and damaged furniture. Not to mention the fact that some dogs may try to resource guard "their" spot on the couch or bed.
The good news is there are effective training methods and household rules you can put in place to discourage this unwelcome behavior and teach your dog where he is and isn't allowed. It may take some time and patience, but you can absolutely train your dog to keep all four paws on the floor instead of your furniture.
Set Clear House Rules and Be Consistent
First, set clear and consistent house rules on where your dog is allowed. Can he sit on dog beds or outdoor patio furniture but not indoor couches? Is he allowed up on certain chairs or beds but not others? Think carefully about what furniture, if any, you’re comfortable letting him on, and train him accordingly. The key is being specific and enforcing the rules every single time. So, if he’s not allowed on the couch at all, don’t give in sometimes and let him up. He needs clear guidance on what’s expected.
Train an “Off” Command
One of the best commands to teach for keeping your dog off furniture is a solid “off.” Get some healthy training treats and practice this when he hops on furniture you want to be off-limits. Say “off” in an authoritative tone, wait for him to obey on his own accord, then reward him immediately with praise and a treat when his paws hit the floor. With enough repetition, he will learn to associate jumping on furniture with the “off” cue to get back down.
Block Access
Make it more difficult for your dog to access forbidden furniture when you aren't actively there to supervise. Use pet gates to block rooms or couches. Cover chairs and sofas with slipcovers or sheets that make them less tempting to lay on. Place double-sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, or an upside-down vinyl carpet runner on furniture surfaces that paws frequently land. And consider keeping your dog on a leash attached to you during times they might normally roam and jump up. Removing access makes it much easier to reinforce rules.
Create Allowed Alternatives
Rather than focusing solely on keeping your dog off furniture, also give them allowed alternative places to sit and lie down. Provide comfortable dog beds on the floor next to sofas and beds. These give them an inviting place to lounge and relax without using human furniture. You can even use old blankets and pillows from furniture being protected to give the dog bed a familiar comforting smell. Praise and give treats when your dog chooses to use these designated beds.
Use Pet-Friendly Furniture Covers
Don’t want to deny your dog comfort and connection by restricting furniture access entirely? Protect your sofas and chairs with special pet-friendly furniture covers designed for pet hair, nails, dander and damage. Companies like Sure Fit and Gorilla Grip make durable slipcovers and blankets that shield upholstery so you can still snuggle on the couch without worrying about messes.
Consider Dog Ramp Access
If access seems to be the issue, with your dog having trouble jumping up but still attempting to get on furniture, provide ramps or pet stairs. These can allow pets (especially older, arthritic or short-legged ones) to still enjoy elevated surfaces without damaging jumping. Look for ramps with a gentle incline and carpet tread for paw grip. Practice training your dog to use the ramps fully before leaving access open.
Repetition Is Important With Any Method
Whichever tactics you implement, remember that consistency truly is key in dog training. You can’t give up after trying something once or twice. It takes many consistent repetitions before a dog understands new rules and behaviors. Be patient yet firm and reward desirable actions often during the training process. In time, with daily practice, you’ll have a well-trained dog who keeps paws on the floor!
