HELP!!! How Do I Keep The Dog Off The Couch???

[AKL_Megs]

(I realize that I post about this topic often but there are some pretty smart dog owners around here, and you all give really good advice, so here I go again...)

My DF and I are moving into our new apartment next week. DF has always allowed the dog on the couch, but due to my allergies, the dog will not be allowed on the couch anymore.

I've always heard people say to put aluminum foil along the couch, that the dog won't like the way it feels. I'm just afraid the aluminum foil will stain and/or rip the couch if the dog goes nuts on it, also our couch is a really light khaki color.

I was considering purchasing one of those electric shock-type things, but those are around $50-$100 scared1, and I really don't want to spend that.

Any other suggestions?

 

[PrincessPatty]

Its funny that you post this! My furbaby has had some recent issues with getting on the couch (only when no one is looking...because otherwise she gets yelled at if we see her)

The funny thing is, is that she is 5 years old...and has never had this problem until recently I have no idea

 

[disneyfreakk]

If your DF has always let the dog on the couch, then more than likely you are stuck with a dog on the couch.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

Aluminum foil is working GREAT for us. The first night we put it down, we noticed the next morning that there was an indentation where the dog must have put her paw up. But we know if she had jumped up on the couch, the foil would have torn!

We use the same foil every night--we just slip it behind the couch when we're home. It doesn't stain or rip the couch--it's very thin and light weight.

Our trainer also said we could use an office-mat-thingy (the kind with the spikes on one side) but that hasn't been necessary.

I would suggest throwing a sheet or slipcover over the couch at night AND using aluminum foil--that should alleviate any possible problems if you're nervous about the couch.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Long ago when we bought our first home, we actually kept the vacum cleaner on the couch cause it was the only thing that would keep the dog off of it. But honestly, I hated coming home and seeing the vacum cleaner on my nice couch. I think we progressed to spray cans which he also hated. Later, we just trained our dogs not to go on the sofas.

Maybe try a shake can with pennies inside to keep him away, then place several on the sofa. The first time one falls it will scare him enough that maybe he'll stay away. Also, make sure you give him a nice alternative like a comfy dog bed with a good vantage point so the couch won't look so attractive, and offer lots of praise when he uses it. Good luck.

 

[AKL_Megs]

Aluminum foil is working GREAT for us. The first night we put it down, we noticed the next morning that there was an indentation where the dog must have put her paw up. But we know if she had jumped up on the couch, the foil would have torn!

We use the same foil every night--we just slip it behind the couch when we're home. It doesn't stain or rip the couch--it's very thin and light weight.

Our trainer also said we could use an office-mat-thingy (the kind with the spikes on one side) but that hasn't been necessary.

I would suggest throwing a sheet or slipcover over the couch at night AND using aluminum foil--that should alleviate any possible problems if you're nervous about the couch.

I guess I could throw down a couple towels and put the foil over them, just in case. I really like the office-type mat idea. That's another option. Thanks!

 

[AKL_Megs]

Also, make sure you give him a nice alternative like a comfy dog bed with a good vantage point so the couch won't look so attractive, and offer lots of praise when he uses it. Good luck.

Oh yeah, he has nice big comfy doggy bed. I like the "scare" idea. He's afraid of most everything, the penny thing might work, too!

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

My couch and Chloe, came before my husband. Chloe had always been in the habit of getting up on them.

Heck, I picked an upgraded heavy velvet, just so she could get up on them.

DH didn't like it though. Ironically he loves to let her sleep next to him, with her head on his pillow. But, that's another story... anywhoooo...

Chloe was very easy to train. Every time she got on it, or started to get on it, she got a firm "No".

Every once in awhile I'll be sitting on it, and she'll come up and rest her head on it and look up at me with those huge brown eyes. If I don't go get her bed, or tell her no, she'll try getting up there with me.

Anyway, usually consistency will pay off. Dogs love to please. Buy her a bed of her own, where she can be near you, and if she tries to get on the couch, or you catch her on it, direct her to the new bed and give her lots of praise when she lays down on it.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Our trainer also said we could use an office-mat-thingy (the kind with the spikes on one side) but that hasn't been necessary.

Yikes! Those things hurt!

When Chloe gets on the couch, it isn't two paws first and then the rest of her body; it's the whole shebang all at once.

I admit, that would probably work, but I bet it would hurt a dog Chloe's size.

 

[Tigger&Aidan]

We've "given" our love seat to our dog, so I'm no help, lol! But my friend used to put a folding snack tray on her love seat to keep the dog off while she was gone. You could probably use a folding chair too....

 

[CharmCityGirl]

I don't think foil stains. I would try the foil and I would suggest not shocking him.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

Yikes! Those things hurt!

When Chloe gets on the couch, it isn't two paws first and then the rest of her body; it's the whole shebang all at once.

I admit, that would probably work, but I bet it would hurt a dog Chloe's size.

Awwww, I wouldn't do anything to hurt a dog. I am totally anti-shock collars (politically correct name "invisible fences"), etc. My dog is the delicate type who puts a paw or two up first (very cute) so it wouldn't hurt her. But the sound of the aluminum foil is working nicely!

 

[arminnie]

My furbaby has had some recent issues with getting on the couch (only when no one is looking...because otherwise she gets yelled at if we see her)

My first cocker used to get on the DINING ROOM TABLE when I was at work. He knew he wasn't supposed to be up there.

I left the blinds slightly open so I could see inside. The minute he heard the tiniest sound from my key in the lock he was off so quick. I could feel the warm spot on the table even when I didn't see him.

When he became deaf I used to catch him all of the time. If I moved the chairs away (that he used to get up there) he would just move one back across the room.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Awwww, I wouldn't do anything to hurt a dog. I am totally anti-shock collars (politically correct name "invisible fences"), etc. My dog is the delicate type who puts a paw or two up first (very cute) so it wouldn't hurt her. But the sound of the aluminum foil is working nicely!

I just remember too well, accidentally walking on one of those. Goodness... it was like a million tiny knives in the soles of my feet.

(BTW, I knew you hadn't used the mat - that's why I posted that. I just could never imagine all of Chloe's girth, landing on one of those!)

 

[Cindyluwho]

Well geez, all those comments about not hurting the dog makes me reluctant to post this. BUT....if all else fails use mousetraps. Set 1/2 dozen of them, put them on the couch and I guarantee it will only happen once or twice and the dog will never get on the couch again. I learned this from an old farmer who also taught me how to get a dog from going after the chickens. Attach an old rooster to an electric fence wire and put it in an enclosed area where the dog can get to it. The electricity will NOT hurt the rooster, something to do with their hollow bones, but the dog will get hit if he tries to bite the bird. The old guy insisted that it worked every time. He did say to use an old rooster in case the dog hurts it. OUCH!! Old farmers have weird ways

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Well geez, all those comments about not hurting the dog makes me reluctant to post this. BUT....if all else fails use mousetraps. Set 1/2 dozen of them, put them on the couch and I guarantee it will only happen once or twice and the dog will never get on the couch again. I learned this from an old farmer who also taught me how to get a dog from going after the chickens. Attach an old rooster to an electric fence wire and put it in an enclosed area where the dog can get to it. The electricity will NOT hurt the rooster, something to do with their hollow bones, but the dog will get hit if he tries to bite the bird. The old guy insisted that it worked every time. He did say to use an old rooster in case the dog hurts it. OUCH!! Old farmers have weird ways

That's it! I'm coming after you!

 

[AKL_Megs]

Yikes! I don't think I would go as far as to do the mousetrap thing. I'm probably going to try the foil and hope he hates it. I can just see him plopping down on the foil and jumping right off, and that's the whole point.

 

[suzimar57]

cattle prod?!

(sorry - just thought it was funny!)

 

[arminnie]

BUT....if all else fails use mousetraps. Set 1/2 dozen of them, put them on the couch and I guarantee it will only happen once or twice and the dog will never get on the couch again.

I tried the mousetrap thing and only succeeded in trapping my fingers a few times! It's supposed to be the sound of the trap snapping shut that scares the dog - it's not really supposed to land on their paw.

It worked - on me. I was terrified of the mousetraps. Never bothered my dog at all.

 

[life of the party]

Gentle touch? That wont help. Treats? Dont give treats for normal things or it will expect treats everytime!
Just kick him/her off until he/she realizes its not worth it.