How do I keep my stubborn dog off the couch?

Having a stubborn dog that insists on getting on the furniture can be frustrating. But with patience and consistency, you can train them to stay off the couch.

Why Do Dogs Get on the Furniture?

There are a few main reasons dogs try to get on the couch or bed:

• Comfort – Couches and beds are soft, warm and smell like their owners. It’s an appealing spot for a nap.
• Attention – Getting on the furniture often gets a reaction from their owner, which dogs see as rewarding.
• Scent – Dogs like spreading their scent around territory they feel ownership of.
• Height – Being on the furniture allows them to survey their surroundings.
• Lack of rules – They’ve been allowed on furniture previously.

Why Keep Dogs Off Furniture?

While your dog may want to cuddle up on the couch with you, there are some good reasons to enforce the furniture being off limits:

• Cleanliness – Dog hair, dirt and odors can quickly build up.
• Destruction – Dogs can damage furniture by scratching, chewing and shedding.
• Safety – Your dog can fall off or get injured on the couch.
• Dominance – Letting them on furniture allows them to view themselves as equal to humans.
• Consistency – It’s easier to enforce one household rule of no furniture, than decide when it’s allowed.

Training a Stubborn Dog

The most effective way to train a stubborn dog is through positive reinforcement. Punishment or yelling will likely just make them more determined to get back on the couch. Here are some training tips:

• Set the rules and be consistent – Don’t allow them on furniture at all, ever. Any slip up will undo your training.
• Reward good behavior – When they lay on the floor, praise them and give treats. Dogs love food motivation.
• Use cues – Teach them to go to their bed or mat on command when you see them eyeing the couch.
• Distract and redirect – If they try to jump on the couch, quickly redirect their attention to a chew toy or another allowed spot.
• Limit access – Use baby gates or furniture covers to block access to the couch when you can’t monitor them.
• Be patient – It takes time and consistency before they’ll reliably leave the couch alone.

Other Deterrents

In combination with reward-based training, here are some extra deterrents you can use to keep your dog off the couch:

• Scat mats – These give a light static shock when stepped on.
• Aluminum foil – Cover the couch with sheets of foil they won’t like walking on.
• Citrus smells – Dogs dislike citrus. Sprinkle peels or spray citrus oils on furniture.
• Water spray – A spray bottle on mist can discourage them from jumping up.

When They’re Allowed Up

If you do choose to sometimes allow your dog on the furniture, teach them an “up” cue. Only say the cue and reward with praise/treats when you invite them up. And always use an “off” or “down” cue to have them get back down.

Jumping up without the cue should never be allowed or rewarded.

Conclusion

Training a stubborn dog to stay off the couch requires:

• Setting clear and consistent rules.
• Using rewards like praise, petting and treats for good floor behavior.
• Blocking or deterring access to the couch as needed.
• Being very patient – it can take weeks or months of training.

With time, even the most stubborn dog can learn to leave the furniture alone and be comfortable relaxing on their own dog bed! Just stick with positive reinforcement methods, and avoid punishment.