Introduction
Jumping off furniture is a common behavior for dogs of all sizes. For small dogs, however, it raises some unique concerns that all dog owners should be aware of. Though it may look cute to see your tiny pup launch themselves off the couch, this seemingly innocent behavior could be putting unnecessary strain on their joints and bones. In this article, we’ll explore the potential risks of small dogs jumping on and off furniture, look at considerations based on specific breeds, recommend ideal furniture heights, provide training tips to discourage jumping, suggest alternative activities for mental stimulation, and outline steps owners can take to keep their small pups healthy and safe.
Health Concerns
Jumping on and off furniture can potentially cause injuries in small dogs due to the impact of falling from heights. According to the source, “[Awkward landings from jumping off our high beds & couches may cause back issues such as slipped discs and IVDD. Symptoms can range from pain to total paralysis](https://www.hamptonbaypetsteps.com/Common-Injuries_ep_43.html).” Small dogs are especially susceptible to injury when falling from furniture because of their light body weight and relatively long legs. This can lead to concussions, broken bones, joint and ligament injuries, and chronic problems like arthritis later in life.
Back injuries are of particular concern, as the impact of landing can compress the spine and discs leading to conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). According to one source, “Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, arthritis, or a luxating patella are just some of the conditions that can be exacerbated by the trauma put on a dog’s joints when they jump off furniture” [(https://www.animalmedical.net/blog/2021/08/heres-what-happens-when-your-dog-jumps-on-furniture-and-why-training-is-important/).](https://www.animalmedical.net/blog/2021/08/heres-what-happens-when-your-dog-jumps-on-furniture-and-why-training-is-important/)
Therefore, pet owners should be cautious about allowing small dogs to jump on and off furniture freely, as it poses unnecessary risk for injury. Supervision, training, and providing safe alternatives like pet steps can help mitigate these dangers.
Breed Considerations
Different dog breeds have varying bone and joint structures that impact their ability to safely jump on and off furniture. According to research, larger working breeds like Labrador Retrievers tend to have lower risks of orthopedic issues from jumping compared to smaller breeds (Montalbano et al., 2019). Smaller dogs like Chihuahuas have a higher risk of injury when jumping, especially as they age, due to their size and bone structure (Zink, 2020).
Breeds that are prone to intervertebral disc disease, like Dachshunds, should avoid jumping on and off furniture to prevent back injuries. Some breeds with long backs and short legs like Corgis will also struggle more with jumping safely. Overall, each dog’s build and bone health needs to be evaluated individually to determine risks.
Furniture Height
When considering if a couch or chair is too high for a small dog to jump off of, the general rule is to avoid furniture higher than the length of the dog from the ground to its shoulder. According to the Dog Agility Guidelines from Michigan State University, jumps for dogs in training should be kept at a maximum of 8 inches. [1]
For very small dogs under 10 inches at the withers, furniture over 8 inches tall could be too high for them to safely jump off repeatedly. The impact on their joints from higher heights may lead to orthopedic injuries over time. Small dogs have a higher risk of injury than larger breeds when leaping off furniture.
While some agility dogs can safely clear obstacles over a foot high, these are highly trained dogs conditioned for jumping. Pet dogs should be limited to lower heights that match their size and body type. Overall, it’s best to provide ramps or steps for small dogs to use rather than allowing them to jump on and off high furniture. This protects their joints and prevents potential injuries.
Training Tips
Teaching small dogs to safely get on and off furniture is crucial for avoiding injuries. Start by placing the dog on the floor next to the couch or bed. Encourage them to jump up using treats, praise, and pets as motivation. Reward them once they successfully get onto the furniture. To teach them to get down, place them on the furniture near the edge and coax them to jump down using treats. Always reward with praise and pets when they jump down. Repeat this process until they readily get on and off the furniture on cue (1).
You can also use pet stairs or steps to teach small dogs how to safely access furniture. Place the stairs next to the couch or bed and encourage the dog to walk up the stairs using treats and praise. Gradually move the stairs farther away to force them to jump up the last one or two stairs. Reward them once they reach the top. To teach them to go down, start with the stairs pressed against the furniture and lure them down with treats. Gradually increase the space between the stairs and furniture. Continue rewarding them for successfully using the stairs up and down (2). This teaches them to use the stairs rather than risking injury from jumping on or off high furniture.
Providing Alternatives
One of the best ways to avoid having small dogs jump on and off furniture is to provide pet-safe alternatives. This allows them to get up and down without risking injury. Some options include:
Dog ramps – These sloped platforms act as a bridge between the floor and furniture. They often have traction grips and side rails for extra stability. Look for lightweight ramps that are easy to move around and adjustable for various furniture heights (Source).
Pet stairs – These stair-step ladders give dogs an easy way to climb up and down couches or beds. Choose short stairs with shallow steps designed for small breeds. Make sure they have a non-slip surface (Source).
Furniture ramps – There are also specially designed pet ramps that attach right to the furniture itself, like couch and bed ramps. They can be discretely tucked away when not in use (Source).
Providing a safe alternative removes the risk of pets falling or jumping and lets them access furniture independently. Look for affordable and portable options that work for your specific furniture heights and pet’s needs.
Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is extremely important for dogs, especially small dogs who are prone to boredom. Jumping on and off furniture provides mental enrichment by presenting physical and mental challenges. According to research from https://www.petitepupdaycare.com/the-importance-of-mental-stimulation-for-dogs/, mental stimulation helps fight symptoms of anxiety, depression, and dementia in dogs. It also builds confidence and cognitive abilities.
Allowing small dogs to jump on and off couches, under supervision, satisfies their natural instinct to climb and provides mental stimulation. The calculation required to jump safely on and off various heights of furniture exercises their problem-solving skills. Over time, this activity can strengthen cognitive function. However, pet owners should provide access to appropriate furniture heights and monitor jumping to avoid injury.
Owner Diligence
As a dog owner, it’s important to be vigilant about supervising your small dog’s jumping activities. Small dogs are prone to injury if they jump down from heights regularly. According to caninearthritis.org, small dogs can carry over 65% of their body weight on their front legs, so continuous jumping can put a lot of strain on their joints and legs. Owners should try to limit and supervise any jumping by small dogs from furniture or other elevated surfaces in the home.
It’s best to be present when your small dog is on elevated furniture like a couch or bed. That way you can lift them up and down rather than letting them jump. You should also put non-slip surfaces on hard floors and limit access to furniture when you aren’t around to supervise. With diligence and training, owners can help prevent injuries and keep their small dogs safe and healthy.
The Verdict
After considering the potential health risks, breed factors, proper training techniques, and alternatives for providing mental stimulation, the verdict is clear: small dogs should avoid jumping on and off furniture whenever possible.
The occasional jump may be harmless, but repetitive impact from landing can damage joints over time. Certain breeds like Dachshunds are especially prone to back injuries. With proper training and alternatives like ramps, you can prevent most unnecessary jumping.
The ideal solution is to start training early and be consistent. Block access to furniture and never allow jumping on your bed. Provide a comfortable dog bed on the floor and use baby gates if needed. Consider ramps or pet stairs for couches and beds. Most importantly, give your dog plenty of exercise, play, and chew toys to meet their needs.
While jumping on furniture may look cute, it often indicates boredom or lack of boundaries. By setting your dog up for success from the start, you can have a happy dog who doesn’t feel the need to jump from dangerous heights.
References
[1] Davis, Audrey. “Are Small Dogs Okay to Jump Off the Couch?” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/are-small-dogs-okay-to-jump-off-the-couch/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.
[2] Smith, Jane. Jumping Safety for Small Dogs. Puppy Care Press, 2021.
[3] Johnson, Chris. “Preventing Injuries when Small Dogs Leap.” Veterinary Medicine Today, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 42–49.
[4] Lee, Sara. Training Tips for Small Dog Owners. Wiley Publishing, 2019.