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Having a dog that insists on jumping on the furniture can be frustrating. Not only can it damage the couch, but it can also spread dirt and odors. However, there are several effective techniques you can try to teach your dog to stay off the couch. With consistency and positive reinforcement, you can break this unwanted behavior.
Train Them to Use a Dog Bed
The easiest way to keep a dog off the couch is to give them an alternative place to rest. Set up a comfortable dog bed on the floor in the same room as the couch. Whenever you find them laying on the forbidden area, lead them over to their own bed. Praise and reward with treats when they lie down. Over time, the will learn that their bed is the place for them to relax. You can even incorporate a cue like "go to your bed" once the training takes hold.
Block Access to the Couch
Physics is your friend when learning how to keep dogs off furniture. When your pooch is elsewhere, arrange barriers on and around the sofa. Options include large objects like storage bins, piles of heavy books or filled laundry baskets. You can also drape slip covers, sheets, blankets or large towels over the cushion which may discourage jumping up when the material shifts. Pieces of cardboard or aluminum foil placed on the seat may do the trick too. Be sure to praise them when you catch them staying on the floor.
Implement the "Off" Command
Start by catching your dog with at least one paw on the couch and firmly say "off" while guiding them down. Once all four feet touch the floor, offer enthusiastic verbal praise combined with a treat. Repeat this process, eventually working up to giving the command when you spot them eyeing a potential couch invasion. Even if they resist at first or need help getting down, be patient and reward any incremental steps toward the right behavior.
Use Scent Deterrents
There are several types of smell deterrent products for furniture that dogs don't like. Test scatter cushions or devices that emit scents triggered by pressure from a jumping dog. You can also spray furniture with pet-safe fragrances containing citrus, mint, eucalyptus or vinegar. Reapply these frequently enough that the odor remains strong. Don't use homemade solutions containing harsh chemicals which could damage furniture or harm pets if ingested.
Apply Double-Sided Tape
Sticky double-sided tape comes in strips and large area sheets which can adhere right to furniture surfaces. The texture is unpleasant on dog paws when stepped on. Apply it to couch seats, arms, backs and edges. Replace pieces frequently as dust and dirt reduces the tackiness. An alternative is to lay strips of aluminum foil over cushions, taping down any loose edges. The foil crinkles loudly when landed on, further deterring repeat attempts.
Keep Rooms Dog-Free
If your dog is insistent about getting on furniture, you may have to exclude them from rooms containing couches when you aren't around to monitor. Use baby gates across doorways or keep doors shut to off-limits areas. Make sure they have access to fresh water, toys, their beds and outdoor potty areas so they aren't left with nothing to do. Give them ample people time, exercise and play sessions to prevent boredom and acting out.
Use Pet-Safe Sprays
A variety of anti-chew and bitter tasting sprays are marketed specifically to curb destructive behavior and jumping on furniture. Always check that formulas are non-toxic for domestic animals before applying them to house surfaces. Test products first on small hidden upholstery sections to ensure they don’t stain or damage material. Reapply these spray deterrents regularly as they fade over time.
Be Consistent and Positive
Getting dogs to avoid couches requires diligent reinforcement of preferred behaviors. If you allow them on furniture sometimes but not others, they won't grasp the boundaries. Stay consistent and resist frustrated reactions to backsliding. Keep training positive with rewards and ignore minor disobedience. Be patient and remember it takes most dogs weeks or months to permanently alter behavior so don't give up! The investment of time and effort is well worth a fur-free, odor-free couch.
