Need to buy a new couch-have ????

[frannn]

Need to buy a new couch desperately. Old one was pleather and is all torn up, one of the seats is a big hole where people fall in (not kidding). The problem is that we have a chocolate lab who loves to get up on the couch when he can sneak on, no matter how many times he's reprimanded. Also have 3 kids (one is almost 2), and a DH who really doesn't mean to make a mess, but he does. So, I'm wondering what is my best option material-wise, price-wise, and is getting one with a built in sleeper a good or bad idea? I would like to have a place for MIL or BIL to sleep when we go away (in Sept, to WDW!) and they watch the dog. We have a Seamans outlet and a bunch of furniture places about 30 minutes away. Please give your best advice on a couch that could last through a nuclear war-cause that's what this family needs (without spending a bundle)! TIA for the advice!

 

[alliecats]

No rec's on couch, but have you tried that stuff you can get at big pet store chains to keep dogs off/away from things? It is supposed to smell like bitter apple and discourage them from getting on things. Might want to check that out (and ask if it's ok for around kids). You could always test drive it on your current couch to see if it discourages him at all before you go and choose another. Because if it works, maybe you will have more choices/options for couches available to you.

Good luck!

 

[Cindy B]

I have a Lab as well (black) that liked to jump on the couch as well. We got new furniture a while back (Pennsylvania House--good stuff/it was bought at Oskar Huber).

Well, the Lab has never gotten on the couch. We never had to tell her! She tried once, and we said NO, and that was it!

 

[mrsboz]

I've never seen a bargain on a couch. What I mean by this is: We bought two different couches for $400./each. This ended up not being a bargain because we had to get rid of them after only three years. I've found that by spending the money - $1600. for a couch and love seat at Jordans Furniture it lasts much longer. I have three kids and it has lasted 11 1/2 years. The couch is pretty much getting there but the loveseat will last another 1 1/2 - 2 years. I don't have a dog but my sister does and when no one is in the room she puts stools on the couch to discourage the dog from sitting on them. It works. Good luck in your search for a couch I will be searching soon too. I hate to make big investments like this especially with the kids still being young. They don't jump on the furniture but it still takes a lot of abuse.