If you’re tired of constantly finding dog hair on the couch, maybe it’s time you teach Fido that the couch is off limits to him. Dogs enjoy lounging on the couch for many reasons; maybe your dog just finds it comfortable, maybe it allows him to look out of a nearby window, or maybe he just want to be as close to you as possible. Regardless of the reason, if you want to keep Fido off the couch, there are several things you can try.
Tip 1
Move the couch if your dog is only using it to get a view of the outdoors. If your dog uses the couch so he can look outside, moving it to an area where it won’t allow him to do this might stop him from sitting on it. After moving the couch, provide him with a chair or other platform that he can use to look through the window.
Tip 2
Place a baby gate in front of the entrance to the room with the couch so Fido can’t get to it. This is especially handy if you can’t watch your pet companion. If you don’t want to restrict his access to the entire room, place boxes, an upside down carpet runner or chairs, on the couch so there’s no room left for your dog.
Tip 3
Provide your dog with a comfy bed of his own, because he might just be using the couch because there’s no other alternative. Place the bed in an area of the house that is often frequented by family members so he doesn’t feel left out.
Tip 4
Observe your dog so you can correct him when you catch him in the act. When you catch Fido jumping on the couch, instantly go over and give him the “off” command. Grab his collar and guide him off the couch if you must. Bring him to his dog bed and once he lounges in it, give him a treat and praise him lavishly so he associates the bed with pleasant things happening.
Tip 4
Be consistent in your actions. Always remove your dog from the couch when you catch him lounging on it. If you allow him to do it sometimes, your sending mixed message, which can confuse your pet companion. Make sure that all family members living in the household are on the same page and know that your dog isn’t allowed on the couch.
Tip 5
Stack a tower of empty cans on top of each other on the back of the couch. When your dog jumps on the couch, the cans will fall down all around him and startle him off it. You can also use a commercial booby trap in the form of a mat that’s placed on the couch. When your dog jumps on the mat, it emits a loud sound that will startle your dog off the couch.
Tip 6
Place a slipcover or bed sheet over the couch if you don’t mind your dog lounging on it, but want to keep his hair from getting on it.
References
Pedigree: All Things Dog
VeterinaryPartner: The Canine Behavior Series
