Sure, you spoil your dog because she totally deserves it, but the one privilege that’s a no-go in your home is couch access. However, keeping your comfort-seeking canine off the couch can be a challenge, especially if she’s had a taste of the cushiony good life! Addressing this dog behavior requires consistency and a little creativity to help your dog understand that her paws belong off the couch. Here’s how to keep your dog off the couch for good:
Consistency is Key
Once you’ve decided that the couch is a canine no-chill zone, everyone in the household needs to follow the same rules. Allowing occasional couch access gives your dog mixed signals and might make her think that she’s got a permanent lounge pass. A consistent couch strategy will help your dog avoid making the wrong choice.
A Comfy Alternative
A great way to encourage your dog to stay off the couch is to provide her with a cozy bed that’s close to where you hang out. Opt for one with a bolster instead of a flat pad-style bed, as most dogs seems to like leaning up against something when they sleep. Make a fuss when your pooch goes to her dog bed so that she knows good things happen when she settles in her special spot instead of the couch. In addition, always bring your dog to her pet bed when you give her bones and busy toys so that she starts to realize that the magic happens on her bed, not on the couch.
Preventing the Sneaky Couch Sitter: Management Techniques
Some dogs can’t resist the call of the couch and make themselves comfortable there when their people leave the house. The easiest way to prevent it is to manage the situation by closing the door or using a baby gate to cut off access to the room where the couch is. If that’s not possible, make the couch inaccessible by flipping the cushions so they’re vertical, or stack something on the cushions like laundry baskets. You can also crate your dog when you leave the house for short periods of time to prevent her from hopping on the couch or getting into anything else you might want her to steer clear of. Avoid tools that shock your dog if she gets on the couch, as there’s no need to use pain to train.
Keeping Your Dog to Get Off the Couch: Dog Training Technique
Teaching the “off” cue will help your dog understand that the couch is only for the two-legged family members. This is a teach-as-you-go cue, so when you catch your dog snoozing on the sectional, grab a treat and toss it a few feet away from the couch. Say “off” right as your dog jumps down to chase the treat in order to name the behavior, then give her a ton of praise. In time you’ll be able to say “off” without luring the behavior with a tossed treat, and when you say the cue your dog will come to you in order to collect her goody.
That said, the goal is for your dog to not get up on the couch in the first place, so manage her environment when you’re not home and set her up for success by making her own bed an irresistible place to nap.