Many dog owners enjoy the companionship of their pets on the sofa, especially during cozy evenings. However, this can become a challenge when dogs are wet and muddy, or when guests are present. This article addresses the common issue of dogs claiming the sofa as their own and provides practical steps to encourage them to use their designated beds instead. It emphasizes that while sharing your home with dogs is wonderful, establishing clear boundaries is crucial for a harmonious living environment.
Five Steps to Keep Your Dog Off the Sofa
1. Provide a Comfortable Designated Bed
Ensure your dog has a comfortable and appealing bed in each room where they are allowed. This provides them with a specific place to relax and settle. When you enter a room, such as the lounge, you can guide your dogs to their beds. Commands like “leave” (often accompanied by a hand gesture to indicate what they should disengage from) and “in” (pointing to their bed) are effective. This helps them understand where they are expected to be. For those seeking further guidance on behavioral training, resources like how to get a dog to leave things can be beneficial.
2. Revisit Foundational Training if Needed
If your dog doesn’t respond to commands, it indicates they haven’t fully grasped the instructions. In such cases, it’s essential to go back and reinforce their foundational training. A helpful routine involves holding your dog’s bed, asking them to sit, and then placing the bed in the desired relaxation spot. Call your dog to their bed individually and reward them with a small treat for good behavior. This positive reinforcement associates their bed with pleasant experiences, making it a preferred spot regardless of location. This strategy is particularly useful when traveling, as demonstrated by using a shower mat as a temporary bed for a dog in a hotel.
3. Consistency Prevents Disobedience
Allowing your dog to habitually jump on the sofa will make it more difficult to change the behavior later. They will come to expect it rather than comply with a request. This inconsistency can extend to other areas of their training. For instance, if dogs have learned they can freely access the sofa, their overall obedience during walks or other activities might also diminish, as they may not respect boundaries as consistently.
4. Practice Makes Perfect for Sofa-Bound Dogs
If you’ve previously allowed your dog on the sofa and now wish to change this, consistent practice is key. As with any behavioral modification, regularly reinforcing the new rules is essential for success. Ideally, while your dog is on the sofa, you would calmly direct them to their bed using a command like “Bertie, in!” If Bertie is hesitant, reiterate the importance of associating their bed with positive outcomes and rewards.
5. Address Excitable Behavior Before Training
If your dog is overly excited, making it difficult for them to listen to commands, they are not yet ready for this stage of training, especially in distracting environments or when guests are present. To reset, focus again on their bed. Place a food reward on the floor next to their bed while they are sitting in it. This encourages them to stay put and focus on the reward. Periodically walking past and offering a small piece of kibble reinforces the positive association. Over time, they will learn to remain calmly in their bed, anticipating rewards, whether it’s praise, an ear scratch, or a treat. This consistent positive reinforcement helps them understand that staying in their designated space leads to desirable outcomes.
For more in-depth advice on positive reinforcement training methods, one-to-one sessions, or boarding services, you can contact Ben Randall’s team. Additionally, a free seven-day trial of the Gundog app is available for further training tips.
