Dogs sneaking onto the couch to sleep

[Michelle Lancaster]

Anyone got any ways to stop dogs going on the couch when I leave the room? At the moment I have to cover the couch in boxes but even still, the little one finds a way and gets aggressive when I remove him and put him in the laundry instead. The big one knows she’s isn’t meant to and won’t when I’m present but when I leave it’s straight up on the couch. 

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hi there, welcome to the forums!

To stop your dog from jumping on the couch, you may need to implement some type of training or intervention plan, based on the underlying cause. The following tips are recommended to stop a dog from jumping on the couch based on some underlying factors.

• Avoid placing booby traps on the couch and using a shock collar to correct your dog for jumping up and avoid using the so-called "scat mats" which deliver a shock when your dog jumps on the couch. These methods can make your dog fearful of the couch as well as other things that may be nearby or events that may have occurred at the same time.
• Avoid shaking a can filled with coins or spraying your dog with water as this may also cause harm, as some sensitive dogs may become noise-sensitive or may develop a fear of water.
• Avoid any physical interventions such as pushing your dog off the couch, grabbing him by the collar or delivering a scruff shake, may cause your dog to fear you and your hands and may lead to a dog who may bite defensively.
• Even scolding or telling the dog no has some disadvantages as it may trigger fear and stress in a dog who may have no clue of what he's being asked for

 

1. Train Your Dog the "Off" Cue

Training your dog on the "off" cue can be helpful as it tells your dog exactly what you want him to do rather than what you don't want him to do. Here's how to train it.

1. Wait for your dog to jump on the couch. If your dog isn't jumping up, then plan your training sessions around that specific time.
2. Say your verbal cue "off" and then toss a treat or kibble on the floor with a downward motion of your hand.
3. Just as your dog jumps off the bed or couch and before he eats the treat/kibble, say "yes" or click your clicker (if your dog is clicker trained).
4. Repeat this exercise several times as the opportunity presents making it a fun game.
5. At some point, start saying "off" but this time without actually tossing the treat. Just pretend you toss it using your downward hand gesture. When your dog jumps down, say "yes" or click the clicker and feed him the treat, but this time drop it from your other hand. Your ultimate goal is to say "off" and stop tossing the treat/kibble.
6. Repeat the above exercise and start morphing the treat-tossing hand movement into just pointing at the floor and then feeding the treat from your other hand dropping it to the floor when your dog jumps off.
7. Now, it's time to raise the criteria and add an extra challenge. A day may arrive when you need your dog to get off the couch, but you don't have treats. Start mixing in praise without giving treats or use other types of rewards such as giving a favorite toy, running together to the yard to play or grabbing your dog's collar and leash and taking your dog for a walk. Most dogs will instinctively rush when they see their collar and leash. Don't stop giving any types of rewards or treats altogether though; as that may lead to the behavior extinguishing.

 

2. Make the Couch Inaccessible When Not Training

Many dogs learn to not jump on the couch when the owners are present but will jump the moment the owner is away. This leads to inconsistent reinforcement (variable reinforcement schedule) which can put a dent in your progress in training your dog not to jump on the couch.

To prevent inconsistent reinforcement, it's therefore important to make the couch inaccessible. You can place bulky items on the couch such as boxes full of big books, folded chairs or laundry baskets to make it less inviting.

Some dog owners opt to cover the couch with a plastic carpet runner turned upside down so the hard points are facing upward to make the couch less appealing or you can turn the couch against a wall or simply keep your dog in a separated area (in another room, behind a baby gate).

One special product that has received rave reviews lately consists of plastic mats with spikes that dogs instinctively avoid wanting to walk over or jump onto. These plastic mats with spikes work without the unwanted side effects of shock as some of the older versions of scat mats offered.

Here I have placed several upside-down chairs to prevent a dog from jumping on the couch when not supervised.

3. Provide Your Dog With His Own Sleeping Area

You want to provide your dog with his own sleeping area and you want to make it extra appealing. Choose a comfortable one that will make the couch look poorly in comparison.

Nowadays, there are many makes and models of doggy beds and you can even offer your special pooch a doggy couch of his own if you'd like!

4. Train Your Dog to Lie on His Mat

Aim to train your dog to lie on his mat and provide goodies there so that your dog associates it with great amenities.

If you own a clingy Velcro dog, keep his bed/mat nearby you, against the couch. Your dog will enjoy relaxing/ sleeping nearby you and feel part of the family.

Here is a guide: https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/video-archive/train-dog-go-to-mat/

5. Move the Couch Away From Windows

If your dog uses the couch for gaining a view of the outside, move the couch away from the window. This should also reduce any associated barking targeted towards outside stimuli.

 

6. Invest in a "Buddy Bunk"

The Buddy Bunk can help with dogs who jump on the couch because they want to be closer to their owners or they want a high place to retreat to, away from other nosy pets, or more simply, just feel safer on "higher grounds."

 

WARNING: If your dog shows signs of guarding the couch by barking, growling or snapping, consult with a professional using force-free behavior modification for help. If you need your dog off the couch, don't get angry or push him off. Instead, toss some treats on the ground to encourage him to get off, or try ringing the doorbell.