How To Keep Your Dog Off the Couch

Choosing whether to let your dog on the couch is a personal preference. Some people enjoy cuddling with their dogs on the sofa, while others prefer to keep furniture free from dog hair and potential damage.

“If your dog isn’t struggling with resource or people guarding [behavior], then being permitted on the furniture is perfectly fine,” says Dee Hoult, CDBC, CPDT, a certified dog trainer at Applause Your Paws in Miami. “Just understand that once you permit your dog to lounge on their favorite couch cushion, there’s little room to go back to zero couch privileges.”

Follow this expert advice on how to keep dogs off furniture.

Enforce a no-couch rule as soon as your pup joins the family. An early and consistent boundary is key, says Bradley Phifer, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA, CCPDT, executive director and owner of Bradley Phifer Dog Training in Indianapolis.

“If a dog is sometimes allowed on furniture but sometimes not, they may become confused, making it more difficult to train them to stay off the couch,” he says. By never allowing it in the first place, your pup will be less likely to hop onto the cushions.

If your pup has a cozy place to rest, they won’t be as tempted to get on the couch.

“Make sure the bed you’ve provided is comfortable for your specific dog,” Hoult says. “This means you may have to try out a few different types of dog beds to determine if your dog prefers flat and foam filled, round and snuggly, or a bed with an edge to lay their head on.”

The material also matters, as some dogs may get hot and avoid beds that are self-heating.

A few different cues will come in handy when learning how to keep dogs off beds, furniture, and anywhere else they shouldn’t be. Here are the two most important cues Hoult and Phifer recommend.

• Go to bed: “This trains your dog to go to their designated spot on cue,” Phifer says. “Start by luring them onto their bed with a treat, rewarding them for lying down, and gradually adding the verbal cue.”
• Off: Having a very reliable “off” cue will come in handy whenever you want your pups off the couch, counters, bed, or elsewhere.

Positive reinforcement is so powerful. Phifer says to reward your dog with treats, praise, or even a favorite chew toy when they choose to lie on their own bed or on the floor beside the couch (instead of on it).

“If the dog is near the couch but remains on the floor, reinforce this choice with treats or attention,” he says. “And if your dog attempts to get on the couch, redirect him to his own space as soon as you see them thinking about jumping on the furniture.”

Also toss them a treat anytime they obey the cues “go to bed” or “off.”

We know what you’re thinking. All of the above advice is great when you’re with your pup, but you may be wondering, “How do I keep my dog off the sofa when I’m gone?” We’re so glad you asked, because we have some great advice!

• Use a dog repellent for furniture: Hoult recommends dog repellent spray to keep dogs off furniture, such as Nature’s Miracle Advanced Platinum Indoor Training Aid Dog Repellent Spray. Never spray repellent directly on your dog—these sprays are intended to be sprayed on items to make them less appealing to your pup.
• Manage the environment: “Prevent access by using dog gates, exercise pens, or closed doors to control access to the couch when your dog is unsupervised,” Phifer says.
• Keep them crated: Additionally, crating your dog while you’re away can help manage their behavior. Their dog crate should be large enough for them to stand and move around in, and it should be equipped with things that help them feel cozy, safe, and entertained, like a blanket, toys, and an item that smells like you.

At the end of the day, your dog may still make mistakes. Remain patient with your pooch, and be clear and consistent with boundaries. Gently redirect any unwanted behaviors, and always give them ample rewards when they do a good job.