Help! How Do I Keep My Dog Off My Couch

Tips for keeping your dog off the couch

If you think some kind of couch-hopping shenanigans occur at your house when you’re not looking, you’re probably right. Many pet parents simply give in to the idea that their dog will inevitably get on the furniture. But if that’s not an option for you, here are some things you can do to keep your dog off the couch.

1. Teach your dog boundaries

Before doing anything else, it’s essential to establish clear expectations for your pet. You need to let your dog know that the couch is not a place for pets. The earlier you begin these lessons after bringing home your pet, the quicker they’ll learn them. However, if you haven’t yet established boundaries, you can still do so now.

Whenever your dog is on the couch, gently remind them that the sofa isn’t a place for them. Rather than yelling at them (which would be very confusing for your dog), you can do this by teaching them the cue “off” (or any phrase of your choosing).

Here’s how to do that.

Reinforce four paws on the ground: When your dog is on the ground near or approaching the couch, reward them simply for standing with all four paws on the floor. Mark and reward before they jump up.

Reinforce the cue: If your dog jumps on the couch, begin redirection by saying the cue “off.”

Redirect: Toss a treat onto the ground so that they jump back down. If they don’t immediately jump down for the snack, that’s OK. You can lure them down with the treat in your hand.

Reinforce again: You want them to get their reward when all four paws are on the ground. Mark the behavior with an enthusiastic “yes” or a click from a clicker.

Repeat: Keep doing these steps every day in short sessions, and positively reward your pup when they’ve gotten off the couch. And when you think you’re done, do it again. The biggest thing about dog training is consistency.

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2. Give them their own space

In addition to teaching them “off,” creating positive associations with their own place is necessary. The goal is to make their space so rewarding that the couch isn’t even tempting.

Start by rewarding them every time they choose their bed instead of the sofa with an enthusiastic “yes” and a treat. You can even feed your dog their meals in their spot, so that they begin to associate it with happy feelings.

Here are a few ways to create this space.

Use a crate as a secure space: If you want to ensure your dog doesn’t sneak onto the sofa, you can keep them out of mischief through crate training. But crating has limits: Dogs shouldn’t stay in their crate for more than four to six hours, and you should reduce their in-crate time during the day if they sleep there at night.

Create a dog-friendly room: If you have sufficient space, setting aside a room for your dog is an alternate to crate training. This gives your pup the ability to walk around and stretch their legs, while still keeping them in a relatively pet-proofed environment. Your pet gets a place of their own, as your sofa remains pet-hair free.

Give them a bed: With patience and positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog the “off” cue and help them see their bed as a comfortable spot. There are many bed options available to suit different sizes and needs.

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3. Other deterrents to keep dogs off furniture

In addition to training and providing your pet with their own space, there are other tools you can use — but their usefulness may vary.

Spray deterrents: Some folks consider using spray deterrents, even if the effectiveness of these sprays is really hit or miss. We don’t recommend them because, even if they do work, they ultimately don’t teach your pet boundaries (such as staying off the sofa), and some spray deterrants can cause respiratory or skin irritations. But if you do try them, test the spray on a hidden area of the couch to be sure it’s colorfast.

High-tech solutions: Two-way cameras allow you to both watch and communicate with your pet. Take a peek at the camera, and if the dog is on the couch, an “off” cue might make them get down. This tool is not useful on its own, but can be a helpful training tool if you’re there to reward your dog.

Whether you choose crate training or some other solution, it is possible to keep your dog off the couch while you’re away — with effective training methods and tools, plus some patience and consistency.