How to Keep Your Dog off Furniture

Whether or not a dog should be allowed on the couch boils down to personal preference. Some dog owners love having their furry family members cuddle up next to them on the living room sofa. That said, keeping pets off furniture can help establish boundaries for your pet that may help them behave better at home. For example, dogs that exhibit resource guarding (being protective over toys, food, or furniture) should be kept off the couch while they undergo behavior training. Plus, pets can wreak havoc on furniture by leaving dirt, dog hair, and stains behind. Restricting access to furniture is a reasonable choice that can help set your dog up for success and prolong the lifespan of your furniture.

If your dog has gotten used to jumping up on the couch, consider using one of these training methods to keep your dog off your furniture.

1. 1. Train the “off” command. The “off” command is a useful command for a wide variety of scenarios, but it especially comes in handy for keeping dogs off furniture. Every time your dog jumps on your or the furniture, confidently tell them "off," and reward them with a treat if they obey. With consistency, your dog will soon understand that the couch is off-limits. A little positive reinforcement will go a long way.
2. 2. Try crate training. Crate training is the ideal method for house training a puppy because a crate-trained dog will not damage your furniture, floors, and other possessions when you're not home. Keeping your dog in a dog crate whenever you leave the house will help your dog understand boundaries and give them a comfortable place to rest away from your furniture.
3. 3. Give your dog their own bed. Just like people, different dogs prefer different types of beds. Do your research before choosing a bed for your dog, and expect there to be some trial and error before finding the perfect dog bed. Once they find a cozy bed of their own, they'll be much less inclined to nap on the couch.
4. 4. Block access to furniture. Prevent your dog from accessing the couch area in the first place by using a baby gate. This physical barrier will keep your dog out of certain areas of the home with minimal training.
5. 5. Use deterrents. If crate training doesn’t suit your dog, consider placing physical deterrents on the couch when you’re not home—such as empty laundry baskets or books. There are also several commercially available products designed to keep pets off furniture, such as a couch defender or a pet training mat (also known as a scat mat).

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.