How to Keep Dogs Off the Couch: Whether or not to allow your dogs to use the couch is a personal decision. Some people don’t mind a little extra fur on their furniture or muddy paw prints on their cushions. Others may be less forgiving and want their dog off the couch altogether. However, if your dog is causing you undue stress or is aggressive, it’s time to stop the couch privileges. You may consider hiring a dog trainer to help you resolve the issue.
Removable Cover or Blanket
If your pet is prone to chewing on the couch, a removable cover or blanket is a good solution. These covers can be placed over any piece of furniture and can be easily washed when they become soiled. These covers come in many different colors and styles.
When placing a cover or blanket over the couch, consider your dog’s determined behavior. Avoid placing the couch in a position where your dog can injure itself. You can also make the couch less accessible by stacking objects on it. This will discourage your dog from chewing.
When selecting a cover for your couch, look for one that is comfortable and protects your couch’s upholstery. Look for one that is machine-washable, waterproof, and blends in with the decor. Some covers even feature bolstered sides for support to older dogs, while plush versions provide extra comfort for burrowers.
When purchasing a waterproof blanket for your dog’s couch, choose a model that is made of thick material to protect your furniture from stains and scratches. Microfiber and fleece blankets are good options for this purpose because they are both comfortable and durable. Waterproof blankets also prevent dog accidents on the couch. However, they tend to be stiffer than the other models.
Treat Streaming
If you want to keep your dog off the couch, you have to be consistent. If a dog jumps on your couch, it must get off. Then, if you want to cuddle with them, you need to wait at least five to ten minutes, and then call them to come down. This training method can be a good way to prevent bad habits from forming. However, it is important to remember that some dogs have a hard time breaking this old habit, and some of them require a stronger approach.
Removable Mat
If you want to keep your dogs off the couch, you may want to invest in a removable mat. These mats are a good choice because they are portable and super-cozy. You can easily remove them and place them in another room when you don’t need them. This way, your dog will be away from the furniture while you’re away.
However, using a doormat on the sofa can create problems. It could cause your dog to become afraid of the mat, which could lead to fear or aggression. Another option is to spray water on the sofa. This method may work for some dogs, but it can also make them jump off the sofa.
A dog mat can also be a great option for training your dog to stay. A soft padded mat reduces the contact of your dog with the floor, and you can also use it as a blanket when traveling. In addition, it reduces the number of germs and danders that your dog will bring indoors. A dog mat can also be easily cleaned, making it an excellent choice for a home with a pet.
Aluminum Foil
Dogs are drawn to cluttered areas such as couches, and aluminum foil can be an effective way to keep them off them. You can line the top of baking sheets with aluminum foil and place them on the couch cushions. The sheets will bang against the cushions, causing a startling sound for your pup, which will keep them from using the couch.
This method isn’t foolproof. Dogs are extremely sensitive creatures, so strange noises may cause a heightened sense of fear. However, it’s unlikely that this method will negatively affect them if used in moderation. If your dog is particularly sensitive, he or she might be less likely to notice the foil.
Read Also: How to Make a Dog Stop Barking
You can also use air fresheners to ward off cats and place a large piece of aluminum foil underneath the couch. When you leave the room, your dog will be apprehensive about the odor and will try to avoid it. Alternatively, you can try placing small plastic bottles or aluminum cans on the couch cushions. This is an inexpensive, effective method of deterring animals from chewing on your couch.