Introduction
When it comes to dogs and furniture, one thing is clear – many pet owners consider their furry companions a part of the family. In fact, according to a recent survey from Joybird, 66% of female pet owners reported allowing their pets on furniture. With more households welcoming dogs onto couches and beds, it’s no wonder the pet furniture market exceeded $6 billion in 2020.
For many dog owners, keeping pets off furniture altogether seems unthinkable. Yet allowing unfettered access also comes with challenges, fromCleanliness and hygiene concerns to potential behavior problems. While rules vary by household, most experts agree establishing some boundaries around furniture use is prudent.
This guide will explore when dogs typically start attempting to jump on furniture, tactics for teaching impulse control, alternatives that allow dog access while protecting furniture, breed differences, health considerations, training tips, and more. Read on to learn how to set appropriate furniture boundaries with your canine companion.
When Dogs Start Jumping
Most dogs start attempting to jump up on furniture and other elevated surfaces like beds and couches between 3 to 6 months of age. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), puppies have adequate muscle development and coordination to jump short heights safely starting around this age range (Is It Safe for Puppies to Jump?).
However, there are several factors that influence precisely when an individual dog will start attempting to jump up onto furniture and elevated surfaces:
- Breed – Small breeds with short legs may start jumping later.
- Size – Larger dogs can jump higher at an earlier age.
- Build – Dogs with more powerful hindquarters can propel themselves higher.
- Personality – Bolder dogs start jumping earlier.
- Training – Early training can delay or accelerate jumping.
- Environment – Access to couches and beds may trigger jumping.
- Health – Dogs with pain or mobility issues may jump less.
While most puppies start attempting to jump onto furniture during the 3 to 6 month stage, training and environmental factors lead to considerable variation between individual dogs. Careful supervision, training, and providing alternatives are key during this developmental phase.
Teaching Impulse Control
Teaching a dog impulse control is an important part of training them not to jump on furniture. Impulse control refers to a dog’s ability to control their impulses and wait until given permission to do something. This is crucial for training furniture manners, as you want the dog to resist the impulse to jump up until invited.
Some methods to teach impulse control include:
- Asking for a “sit” or “down” before allowing the dog on furniture. This teaches them to wait for the cue rather than jumping up on their own. As the dog masters this, increase the time they must wait before being allowed up.
- Placing a leash on the dog when training. Use the leash to gently guide the dog off furniture when they try jumping up without permission. Praise when they resist jumping up.
- Rewarding calm behavior. Give treats and praise when the dog settles near the furniture without trying to jump up. This reinforces polite furniture behavior.
- Using obedience commands like “stay” and “leave it.” Have the dog stay while you sit on the couch, praising them for resisting the urge to join. Or command “leave it” when they start to jump up.
Building impulse control helps create a well-mannered dog who can relax around furniture until given the cue to join. Be patient, as it may take time and consistency before the dog learns to control their impulses around exciting furniture. The training investment is well worth it for a peaceful, orderly home.
Providing Alternatives
A key training technique for preventing couch jumping is to provide alternative places for your dog to relax other than the furniture. Setting up appealing dog beds or mats in the same room as the couch gives your dog an inviting spot of their own to lie in. Choose beds and mats that have soft, cushy padding and are the right size for your dog to stretch out comfortably.
Place the dog beds or mats near the couch or areas your dog likes to lounge. Having appealing alternatives right there will make it easier to redirect your dog when they try jumping on the furniture. Provide praise and treats when your dog settles on their designated spot. You can even toss treats on the dog bed to encourage your dog to lay there. Maintaining the dog beds by regularly washing covers and replenishing stuffing will keep them comfy.
Some key tips for utilizing alternatives:
- Use beds and mats your dog enjoys resting on.
- Strategically place beds near furniture access points.
- Redirect your dog to their spot with praise and treats.
- Wash covers and replenish bed stuffing regularly.
Having a designatedspot of their own, especially ones that are appealingly soft and cushy, can curb your dog’s desire to jump on the couch.
Allowing Couch Access
Many dog owners allow their dogs on the furniture, including couches, while others prefer to keep their dogs off the furniture. Whether you decide to allow couch access is a personal choice based on your preferences and situation.
If you do wish to allow your dog on the couch, there are some factors to consider first:
- Your dog should have good manners and not exhibit unwanted behaviors like jumping, chewing, or digging on the couch.
- Make sure your dog’s nails are trimmed to avoid damage to upholstery.
- Consider your furniture material and if it can withstand dog use.
- Decide if your dog will have full couch access or only be allowed on certain parts.
- Be willing to cover or clean the couch more frequently.
Providing stairs, a ramp, or couch steps can make it easier for dogs to get on and off the furniture safely. This is especially helpful for smaller dogs or those with mobility issues. Look for lightweight but sturdy products that attach securely.
You may also wish to designate a special dog couch or dog bed nearby as an alternative place for your pet to relax if you don’t want them on the human couch full-time.
Letting your dog on the couch is an individual choice based on your preferences. With training and preparation, many dogs can enjoy couch access without problems. However, not allowing dogs on couches at all is also perfectly fine if that is better for your household.
Training Tips
When training your dog not to jump on furniture, it’s important to focus on positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience. Positive reinforcement means rewarding your dog with treats and praise when they successfully follow a command like “off”. This helps reinforce the desired behavior. Consistency is key – everyone in the household should follow the same training cues and rules. And have patience – it can take some time and repetition before a dog learns a new behavior.
Here are some tips for training a dog not to jump on furniture using positive reinforcement:
- Start training early, as soon as you bring a new puppy home. It’s easier to instill good habits than correct unwanted behaviors.
- Use a firm “off” command when they jump up, then call them to you and reward with a treat when all four paws are on the floor.
- Practice this repeatedly, rewarding and praising each time the dog gets off or does not get on furniture.
- Reward alternate good behaviors like resting on their own dog bed.
- Gradually increase the time between rewards as the training progresses.
- Limit access to furniture initially until the dog learns the rules.
- Be very consistent – everyone should use the same cues and enforce the rules.
With time and positive reinforcement, dogs can learn that while human furniture is off limits, they have their own comfortable bed as an alternative. The key is being patient and persistent with training.
Breed Differences
Certain dog breeds are more prone to jumping on furniture than others due to their energy levels and personalities.
High energy breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers, and Border Collies tend to be very active and excitable. They are more likely to jump on furniture frequently compared to lower energy breeds. The herding instinct prevalent in some of these breeds also contributes to them wanting to patrol on higher vantage points like couches or beds 1.
On the other hand, lower energy breeds like Basset Hounds, Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Greyhounds are less likely to ascend furniture often. Their calmer temperaments lead them to be more content resting on the floor. However, any breed can potentially jump on furniture given the right motivation and opportunity.
While breed tendencies are generalizations, knowing your dog’s energy levels can provide insight into their desire to jump on furniture. Providing appropriate outlets based on their needs is key to managing the behavior.
Health Considerations
Arthritis and joint issues are common as dogs get older, but jumping on and off furniture can exacerbate these conditions even in younger dogs. According to the experts at Animal Medical, “Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, arthritis, or a luxating patella are just some of the conditions that can be exacerbated by the trauma put on the joints from jumping on and off furniture” (source). The impact of landing after jumping down can gradually lead to inflammation and deterioration.
Providing orthopedic dog beds can help protect your dog’s joints and back. As Dr. Tori Countner explains, “Orthopedic beds add an extra layer of support for dogs that have arthritis, achy joints, or mobility issues” (source). Look for beds with egg crate or memory foam, which conform to your dog’s body for maximum comfort and support. Waterproof liners will also help extend the life of the bed.
Furniture Protection
Protecting your furniture from dog jumping and scratching is crucial. Here are some effective ways to safeguard your couches and chairs:
Furniture covers are a simple solution. Companies like TAOCOCO make waterproof and reversible slipcovers perfect for protecting sofas and chairs. The covers protect from dirt, hair, and damage from pets and kids. Throws and blankets also layer nicely over furniture.
Clear vinyl tapes and scratch guards can be applied to vulnerable areas prone to scratching. These transparent tapes make surfaces less appealing for dogs to jump on.
Furniture scratch sprays containing bitter apple or citronella deter dogs from wanting to jump up. The unpleasant taste teaches them to avoid treated areas.
With some simple solutions, you can protect your furniture investment from exuberant dogs.
Conclusion
To recap, most dogs will start attempting to jump on furniture like couches around 5-7 months of age as their bodies grow and they gain new abilities. While it can be cute, it’s important to teach impulse control and provide alternative allowed surfaces during this phase. If you do want to allow couch access, take the time to train a solid “off” cue first. Consider your dog’s breed tendencies, and make sure to protect both their joints and your furniture during this learning process. With patience and consistency through positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog how to properly use furniture in a way that works for both of you.
The goal is to set your dog up for success, not failure. Stay patient, reward good behavior, and provide alternatives as you work through this adolescent stage. With time and training, your dog will learn proper couch manners.