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Dogs like the couch for the same reason you do: it’s comfy! But if you’d rather your pup stay off your furniture, then it’s important that you start training them to do so from the jump. You’ll also want to make sure everyone in your home is on the same page.
“Consistency across every member of the household is completely non-negotiable from day one,” says Aubrey M. Weber, B.Ed., DBC, CPDT, CCFC, PNCC, a certified dog trainer on Rover.
The good news is there are lots of ways to keep your dog off the furniture. The best methods? Weber advises blocking access to the couch while training your dog to use a comfortable alternative.
With that in mind, here are six tips to keep your dog from jumping on the couch.
1. Give Your Dog an Alternative
To keep your dog off the couch, give them their own comfy place to rest. Set up a cozy bed, mat, or crate with blankets and favorite toys. Encourage your dog to use this space by giving them treats, a stuffed KONG, or a long-lasting chew when they lie there. You can also teach them to stay in their own spot by working on place training or crate training. This helps build a positive association, so they eventually see it as a preferred place to relax.
By heavily reinforcing a high-quality dog bed placed right next to the sofa, the dog learns to choose their own space without the training turning into a constant battle of wills,” says Weber.
Spending time with your dog on the floor can help, too. If they see you hanging out on their level, they’ll be more likely to stay off the couch and stick with you.
2. Teach an “Off” Cue”
You can also teach your dog an “off” cue. To do this, Weber gives the following steps:
- Guide your dog down from the couch by tossing a treat on the floor or using a hand touch.
- As soon as all four paws are on the ground, click or use a marker word like “yes!”
- Reward your dog with another tasty treat or an exciting toy.
- Once your dog begins to understand that moving off the couch earns them rewards, start adding the cue by saying “off” right before you lure them down.
As you train your dog, avoid harsh methods, products, or punishment. All of these tactics can scare your dog and harm your bond.
3. Use a Pet Camera With a Treat Dispenser
Pet cameras let you watch your dog when you’re not home and reinforce staying off the couch. Opt for ones with two-way audio and treat dispensers, so you can still work on your dog’s “off” cue and reward them even when you’re not there. Reviewing the footage later can also help you spot behavior patterns and improve your training.
4. Block Access
Physical barriers, like dog gates, can keep your dog away from furniture, especially when you’re not home. Another option is Couch Defenders—foldable barriers that block pets from jumping up and are easy to put away when guests come over. Or, use what you already have in your house as a barrier, like laundry baskets and cushions!
5. Make the Couch Unappealing
To keep your dog off the couch, try making it less appealing. For instance, remove the cushions or prop them up so they’re not as comfortable.
Deterrents can also help keep your dog off the couch while you train them. You can place things like aluminum foil, plastic mats, or pet-safe sprays with scents they don’t like on the couch, or use an X-Mat, which has small nubs that are uncomfortable for dogs to lie on.
A Professional Trainer’s Approach
According to Weber, a professional dog trainer can help pet parents better identify what comfort or vantage point the couch is providing. From there, once they know the dog’s motivation, they can create a plan to keep the dog off the couch while still fulfilling their needs.
For instance, a skittish dog might like to be higher up so they’re less vulnerable to sudden movements. In that case, placing an elevated mat in a corner of the room where there’s less foot traffic might be the best solution.
Takeaway
It’s a personal choice whether to let dogs on the furniture or not. Many pet parents enjoy cuddling with their pets on the couch, while others prefer to keep dogs off to maintain cleanliness. No matter which you prefer, consistent training and offering even comfier options for your pet are always a good thing.
For help on how to approach teaching your dog to stay off the couch, find a professional dog trainer near you for expert advice.
