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How do you keep a dog off the furniture?
My dog gets on my couch and loveseat the minute I leave or go to bed, and he is shedding so much. I tried the sprays and they don't work. I want new furniture but don't want him on it. I think whoever owned him before let him, he did it immediately when we got him. Any serious help would be appreciated.
So far some good answers, but my dog does have a dog bed which he uses all day while I'M HOME!!! I ASKED what to do for times when I'm out or in bed and he does it. First answer was good, if none better, you got the points.
10 Answers
Well someone I know has a big german shepard and she likes to get on the couch too. So she puts aluminum foil on it when she leaves or goes to bed. For some reason the dog doesn't lke it and it keeps her from shedding on it. So maybe you could try this. I hope it works!
Try placing tinfoil on the seats, so that he will jump onto it. He most likely won't like the feeling of the foil, and will learn to avoid the couch.

If that doesn't work, there is always a spray bottle (just water, and a squirt only when he jumps up), say "Down" immediately and reward him when he gets down. Positive reinforcement is the best way to go :)

If you have tried these, and nothing works, there is a great book called Good Dogs, Great Owners. It has the best training tips in there! I have trained many a dog using the methods in there.

Good luck!

TDK
We have Chihuahuas and they live on the couch, chairs, etc. With small dogs it isn't so bad. If we had big dogs in the house I would not want them on the furniture either. We have one chihuahua that will only rarely get on the couch, and then only for a few seconds. Her previous owners must have taught her to stay off the furniture, but I don't know the trick.
Ok, seriously, try mouse traps. Get your dogs attention, snap it at him a couple of times, then set it on the areas you want to keep him off off with a piece of paper over it (yes, you have to set the trap) after about 3-4 times of that "SNAP" when he/she jumps and hits the trap under the paper, most likely the dog will stay down. Another trick is a water gun. NOT a Super Soaker, just an ordinary water gun with either water or (for stubborn dogs) vinegar. Last resort......slip covers. Knowing what kind of dog this is and the age would be helpful too.
put some covering on your couch so that if will be quite protected with your dogs
don't let the dog have access to those rooms. Only when you can be there to catch him in the act.
the good news is dogs are horrible at generalizing so with new furniture comes a whole new experience. this does not mean you wont have to train him to stay off the couch because you will still have to train. start with teaching him 'on' the couch, praise him...next lure him 'off' the couch. treats and praise for 'off'. do this with the old furniture only 'off' with the new stuff. the reason he gets on the couch when you go to bed is now it is 'safe' for him take a nice nap on the couch without being yelled at or in trouble. 'TATTLETALE' is a motion sensor that you can put on the couch at night when you go to bed. when he goes to jump on the couch it will emit a beep from the vibration this should help a great deal. also think about getting him his own bed that is comfy and squishy too. he's not stupid he knows the couch is comfy so why sleep on the floor? check out oil supplements for his coat and talk to your vet about his diet, it plays a major part. Petsmart offers training classes that also help deal with other problem behaviors and general obedience. hope this helps
They have 'tattletales' you can get at petsmart to put on the couch and they vibrate and make noise if the dog jumps up onto them.
First of all does your dog have a bed of his own?? He is jumping on the couch for comfort. Train his to sleep in his bed. Try getting two beds. One to be placed in the living room near you and one in the bedroom with you. Your dog loves you and wants to be with you.

Also you can place tin foil or traps on the couch. The dog will either hate the sensation of the tinfoil or will hate being pinched by the trap.

If you catch the dog repremand him, squirt him with a water bottle or you can (I know it is primative but) wack the dog on the nose with a newspaper. You can also refuse to praise him when he does this, meaning ignore him, dont give him treats or petting. Then when he doesn't go on the couch for a day or so (set small goals for him) give him a TON of love and treats and praise. This way your dog understands that jumping on the couch is bad behavior and you dont like it. When he isn't on the couch he is a good boy and he deserves love and praise.

If the dog is older, there may be no luck. "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." If all else fails ask your vet and they will be able to recommend a trainer. The trainer should be able to break the dog of the bad habit. Until then throw a sheet over your furniture while your training your dog not to jump up on the couch.

P.S. how big is your dog, have you ever thought of elevating your couch?? It works with medium and small dogs.... not to much for large breeds.

If the problem persists feel free to email me.
Hire a dog trainer.
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