Our first question here is, why? Don’t you want your dog to cuddle with you or lounge with you while you binge-watch Netflix? Not like we don’t understand your problems. They sometimes bring in dirt on the sofa or you could have a dog that sheds a lot. If you have a really nice sofa set, we know a dog’s claws can get your blood pressure up, especially if you see them playing on it.
Some people also like establishing boundaries with their dogs. It’s more about discipline than the sofa. And others may just want some personal space, especially when you’re in the mood for some bouncing on the sofa (iykyk).
But you also need to understand why dogs climb on your sofa anyway. Just like it is a space for us to relax and get comfortable, it is the same for our dogs. Moreover, if your dog sees you spend time on the sofa, they will hop on it frequently hoping to spend some time with you.
As we said, we get why you want to keep your dog off the sofa. We will help you do so or at least hop on it only when invited. Here are some ways you can do so – (1)(2)(3)
The easiest and the most basic way is to lure them towards something else. Distract them towards their favorite toy or food on the floor. Once they get off, praise and reward them so that they associate getting off as a positive behavior.
Get them their own bed. They won’t eye your bed if they have a nice and comfy bed of their own. Create some resting spots for your dog. Keep their personal blanket, rug or mat there. Encourage them to settle in their own bed by guiding them towards it and then praising them as they settle in. You could use some treats here.
If you want your dog to jump on the sofa only when invited, teach them visual cues. Take a blanket and place it on the floor beside the sofa. Get your dog to settle on it. Once they get a hang of it, take the same blanket and put it on the sofa when you want. Make sure you use the same blanket every time. This will guide them about when is it okay to jump on the sofa and when is it not. You can then carry the same blanket when visiting a friend’s house to get them settled on the floor.
Another fundamental way is to teach them commands. You can team them commands like ‘leave’ or ‘get down’ to your dog followed by a hand gesture. Once they follow, praise them and give them a treat. Repeat this training multiple times and there’ll be a time when you won’t need treats anymore.
If you’ve been very lenient in the past, so much so that the dogs don’t even look at you before jumping on the sofa with you, it will take some time for you to train them to ask your permission first. The only thing that will help here is practice. Next time before you have a full house and want your dogs to behave, ensure that you have rewarded and trained your dog enough to sit near the kibble kept beside the sofa or in their bed.
Make a sofa policy for the dog that everyone in the family agrees to. It can’t be that you don’t allow your dog but some other member
While you master the art of keeping your dog away from the sofa, here are some points you need to remember – (1)
If your dog is super excited and jumping on and off the sofa non-stop, it’s a sign that they are not ready for any kind of training at that time. It can also indicate that they are not ready to be in that environment if you have guests over with food and drinks kept on the table. Their running up and down can be a sign of anxiety.
Do not wake your dog up if they are sleeping on the couch. The sudden disturbance in their sleep can cause them to be erratic in the moment. It can even lead to some aggressive behavior like barking or biting.
Do not try to hug your dog as well when they are sleeping. We understand the urge to cuddle with them on the couch. But avoid it. Let your dog initiate the snuggle. They must always have the option of walking away without being followed or held back.
Do not leave young children alone with dogs, especially if the dog is not socialized enough.
How Do You Make Furniture Dog Proof?
One of the best solutions is to get washable covers for your furniture. How much ever you train your dog, you’re not going to be able to keep them off the furniture forever. And at times, even you would want them to sit with you on the sofa and relax. Get a couple of covers and throws so that you can keep rotating. Nowadays, you even get ones specially made for dogs. They repel dog hair and dirt. (3)
Leather is a good option here as it is a natural hair and dirt-repellent. You would have to ensure trimmed dog nails though. Microfiber is another great option as it does not hold odors. Avoid wool upholstery as it would be the worst option as it would soak dirt, smell, hair and almost everything.
How Do I Keep My Dog Out of My Living Room?
This time we won’t ask questions like why you want to keep your dog out of your living room. We understand that there can be several reasons for it. Here are some ways you can do so – (4)
Use pet fences or dog gates in rooms where you want to restrict your dog’s entry.
Dogs avoid scents like citrus, pepper, ammonia, mothballs, cayenne, red pepper and vinegar. You can try using these sprays.
The use of bumpy floors is another uncommon but probably effective way of keeping your dog away from a specific area. When dogs step on them, they feel uncomfortable and would hence avoid them as much as possible.
Create a designated spot for them. Your dog probably just wants to be around you. But if you want to limit their access in a room, create a spot for them in it where they can sit and relax.
Use a shock collar. Using reinforcement techniques, you can use a dog collar that gives a light harmless shock to your dog in case of undesired behavior. This is considered to be safe, but we would yet recommend this to be your last option.
More about Spot Pet Insurance
Some dog behaviors can be manageable but others can be a sign of a severe behavioral problem. They can be caused due to trauma, certain medical conditions or anxiety caused by an external factor. You may need the help of a vet and a behavioral specialist at such times. With Spot Pet Insurance, you can save up to 90% on all those bills.
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!
I've had the privilege of immersing myself in the realm of pet safety. As the owner of an energetic mini golden doodle, I know just how stressful being a pet owner can be. I am dedicated to ensuring our beloved pets enjoy a life brimming with good health.
Randall, B., & Randall, B. (2024, July 3). How to keep a dog off the sofa, by top trainer Ben Randall. Country Life. https://www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-about/dogs/how-to-stop-your-dog-jumping-on-the-furniture-by-top-trainer-ben-randall-240646
How to Protect Furniture from Dogs. (n.d.). https://www.orvis.com/how-to-protect-furniture-from-dogs.html
Pet Stop® Dog Fence Company. (2020, October 5). 7 strategies to keep your dog out of a room • Pet Stop®. https://petstop.com/7-strategies-keep-dog-room/
