Introduce the Issue
Dogs naturally want to jump up on couches and other furniture. It’s an instinctual behavior for them to seek height and comfort. However, allowing dogs free access to furniture can lead to dirt, damage, and reinforcement of bad habits. According to the Woodworking Network, 17 percent of all furniture insurance claims are due to pet damage.
The goal is to keep your couch and home protected while not overly punishing or restricting your dog’s natural behaviors. With some training and management, you can reach a happy compromise where your dog respects the furniture while still feeling comfortable and relaxed at home.
Use Physical Barriers
One effective way to block your dog’s access to the couch is to set up physical barriers. Baby gates or pet gates can be positioned in front of the couch to keep your dog out of the room when you’re not around to supervise. Look for tall gates and make sure to measure the space to find one that fits snugly.
You can also cover the couch with a protective furniture cover made specifically for pets. Covers like the Sofa Shield Reversible Slipcover fully envelop the couch and stay in place with straps. The thick, quilted material protects against fur, dirt, moisture and more.
Place a comfortable dog bed on the floor near the couch to give your dog an appealing alternative place to lounge. Providing dog beds around the house reduces a dog’s desire to jump on furniture.
Train Your Dog
One of the most effective ways to keep your dog off the couch is through training. You can reward your dog for staying off the furniture voluntarily. The ASPCA recommends giving your dog treats when they choose an appropriate spot like their bed. This positive reinforcement helps them learn where they should go instead of the couch.1
You can also use command training to teach your dog to get off the couch or stay off in the first place. Train them to respond to commands like “off” or “place.” Have them go to their bed or crate when given the cue. Always reward with praise and treats when they follow the command correctly. Be consistent with training and practice often.2
It’s also helpful to confine your dog when you can’t supervise them, such as in a crate or gated area. This prevents access to the couch rather than relying solely on training. But make sure your dog still gets sufficient daily exercise and enrichment.
Make Furniture Less Appealing
One effective strategy is to make your furniture less enticing for your dog to lay on. There are a couple ways you can accomplish this:
Use odor deterrent sprays – There are sprays designed specifically to deter dogs from furniture. The smells are unpleasant for dogs but not overpowering for humans. Spray fabric furniture or rugs lightly and allow to dry. Reapply as needed.
Cover with unpleasant textures – Covering surfaces with textures dogs don’t like can help keep them off. Options include plastic, foil, or double-sided tape. Just be sure to monitor so your dog doesn’t try to chew and ingest these items.
Provide Dog Alternatives
Instead of allowing your dog on the couch, provide alternative pieces of furniture and activities to keep them occupied. Some options include:
Place plush dog beds or crate furniture on the floor near the couch so your dog has a comfortable place to relax that belongs to them.
Install ramps, steps, or pet stairs next to the couch to give your dog an allowed access point. Look for designs with a gentle slope and non-slip surface for safety.
Set up engaging interactive toys like food puzzles, chew toys, or ball launchers on the floor to provide an exciting distraction.
By giving your dog approved furniture and activities, they will be less inclined to jump on the off-limits couch.
Exercise and Stimulation
Ensuring your dog gets adequate physical activity and mental stimulation each day is crucial to curb unwanted behaviors like jumping on the couch. Dogs need regular walks, playtime, and training to help prevent boredom, excess energy, and destructive behaviors. According to research, daily walks can have positive effects on dog behavior and reduce undesirable actions. In one study, dogs who received regular activity had decreased stress-related behaviors and improved obedience compared to non-exercised dogs (Effects of physical activity on dog behavior).
Aim to walk your dog for at least 30-60 minutes daily, providing both physical exercise and mental enrichment. Interactive play like fetch, tug-of-war, or nose work games will also tire your dog out. Consistent training reinforces important cues like “off” and “stay” when discouraging couch access. Mentally draining a dog through training and games is just as critical as physical activity. An exercised dog is less likely to expend pent-up energy on your furniture.
Manage Excitement
Dogs often jump up in excitement when greeting people or anticipating activities like walks or playtime. While it’s natural for dogs to be enthusiastic, this behavior can be problematic around furniture and guests. Follow these tips to encourage calmer greetings and departures:
When coming home, avoid engaging with your dog until they are calm. Wait until all four paws are on the floor before petting or giving attention. You can also teach a “sit” or “down” cue before approaching. Reward calm behavior with praise or treats.
Discourage jumping by turning your back or stepping away when it happens. Gently push down on their hindquarters while saying “off.” Once sitting, praise and reward with calm pets. Teach visitors to do the same.
Set up a leash by the door for easier control when guests arrive. Have guests ignore jumping and only engage when leash pulling stops. This reinforces polite greetings.
Before departures, take your dog for a brisk walk or play session to tire them out. Provide a food puzzle toy for mental stimulation. This prevents anxious energy around exits.
When leaving, use minimal fanfare. Avoid prolonged goodbyes which can rile up dogs. Exit calmly and return low key.
With consistency, your dog can learn to control their enthusiasm and avoid problematic jumping on furniture or people. Remaining calm in these situations helps reinforce the desired behavior.
Consider Couch Covers
Another option is to use couch covers that are specifically designed with pets in mind. There are a few different types of covers you can consider:
Washable covers like blankets or quilts can protect your couch from dirt, hair, and odors. Look for quilted covers made from cotton or microfiber that can be easily removed and machine washed. An old blanket can also work as long as it’s durable and absorbent.
Waterproof furniture protector covers create a barrier between pets and your couch. These are great for preventing damage from scratching, urine accidents, and drool. Many options are made from polyurethane laminates or vinyl and have non-slip backing to stay in place. Brands like Molly Mutt (https://www.mollymutt.com/pet-couch-covers.html) offer attractive yet functional covers.
No matter what type of cover you choose, look for one that is machine washable, stays securely on the furniture even with a rambunctious dog, and withstands pet nails and teeth. Properly covering and protecting your couch can let your dog safely enjoy it with you.
Compromise and Supervise
You may find a middle ground allows for the best of both worlds. Consider allowing your dog on the couch only during certain times or under supervision.
For example, you could allow your dog on the couch when you are present to monitor their behavior. When you need to leave the room, instruct them to get off the couch to reinforce that furniture access is a privilege.
Alternatively, you may restrict couch access to certain times of day, such as evenings when you are relaxing. As soon as it’s time for bed, have your dog get off the couch to sleep in their own designated area.
With supervision and consistency, your dog can learn when couch access is permitted. This compromise allows them the comfort of furniture some of the time, while still setting boundaries.
As recommended by dog training experts, “It’s entirely acceptable to allow your dog to access one piece of furniture only. You may decide that it’s okay for your dog to be on the couch, but not the bed …” (Source)
When to Get Professional Help
In severe cases of furniture destruction, it may be time to hire a professional dog trainer. According to this article, if your dog does not respond to basic training techniques, causes significant damage, or exhibits signs of separation anxiety, a trainer can help get the behavior under control.
A professional trainer has the skills and experience to address chronic furniture chewing and scratching. They can evaluate your dog’s behavior and create a customized training plan. Trainers employ advanced techniques like desensitization and counterconditioning that target the root causes of the unwanted behavior.
Additionally, if you have tried training your dog on your own without success, a professional can troubleshoot what went wrong. According to this source, waiting too long to seek professional help allows bad behaviors to become habit. A trainer can get your training back on track. They can also recommend solutions like crates, toys, and exercise to make the process easier.
Seeking professional help prevents the furniture destruction from continuing and escalating. It improves your bond with your dog and makes your home calmer. For chronic or anxiety-related furniture chewing issues, hiring an experienced trainer is your best solution.