It’s a question I get asked all the time. Should I allow my dog on the sofa with me or will it ruin my dog?

My answer as with most things relating to dogs is - it depends.

I allow my dog Bonnie on the sofa in the evening. I enjoy having her close to me and it’s a bonding time after a busy day. However, there are expectations as to her behaviour.

she has to wait to be asked,
she has to be calm and not jump about
there is strictly no food allowed
if I leave the room she has to get down

It’s a routine we’ve adopted over the years and it works well for both of us. I get a nice calm dog next to me and she gets to sit next to her favourite person!

So, why wouldn’t you have your dog on the sofa with you?

Some dogs simply need more rules and boundaries and this would be one privilege too far. I visit many families with dogs who have little respect for their owners, they simply don’t listen to a word they say. In this case, for a short time I may suggest that the dog needs to settle on the floor and learn some basic house rules before being allowed up again.

Another dog may guard their favourite person and growl or even bite anyone who attempts to join them. This is called Resource Guarding and again for a period of time the dog needs to understand that people have the right to use the sofa without being bitten by the dog. So, back on the floor it is!

Others will growl if you try to get them off. This is quite common. The dog is making decisions and doesn’t want to get off the comfy sofa. It has found that growling works and the human backs away leaving the dog in peace. If not nipped in the bud with some immediate training this type of dog may resort to air snapping and even biting to get it’s way. I’ve visited many a household where the dog has decided that it owns the rights to the sofa and dictates access. In this case, attach an indoor lead on your dog to use to move them off the sofa rather than grabbing their collar.

There are several other reasons for not wanting your dog on the furniture and they are all valid. You may have a slobbery dog or simply don’t want dog hair over your new furniture. Dog odour does permeate fabric and you may not want to sit on a smelly dog sofa. That’s absolutely fine too.

How do you stop your dog from jumping on the sofa

So, if you don’t want your dog on the sofa how do you prevent them from jumping up. Firstly, provide a nice comfy bed with a favourite toy, place it in the room with you. If your dog simply won’t use it, pop your dog on a lead, put the lead under your foot so that your dog has no option but to settle down on the floor. Don’t feel guilty, your dog will be fine,

What about when you go out?

Either shut the door to the room, put up a baby gate, crate your dog or I’ve known people put furniture on their sofa so the dog cannot creep in and enjoy the sofa in their absence. You may decide that it’s ok for your dog to sleep on the sofa when you are out. Do whatever works for you.

Training your dog as a puppy does make life easier but you can retrain a dog at any age. Don’t fall for the old adage that ‘an old dog can’t learn new tricks’ - it’s simply not true. It is important that everyone in the family is consistent. Dogs are great manipulators and once someone gives in it will be difficult to persuade your dog otherwise.

So whatever you decide is just fine, just be sure to stick to your decision.

If you have any concerns about your dog biting you then please without delay, contact a professional.

Dogs on the furniture - whatever next!

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