allowing dogs on furniture

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Hey guys. If the dogs are used to getting on the furniture, is there any way to train them to only get on if they are invited? Does this involve restricting access to the furniture when you can't be there to watch them? Or maybe re-train them to NOT get on the furniture and once that sticks, start teaching them they can get on if invited?

coppersmom · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:48 pm Post subject:

I have stopped my dogs from getting on the furniture. (they're probably on the sofa as I type this lol) I had to restrict them from the area for a while. I also put a pillow just for them in the living room. Now I can take the gate down as soon as I get home and Zoey lies on the pillow. BUT now I rarely sit on the sofa or the expensive comfy chair Sad

. I sit on the floor with them. So just who was trained here?? Confused

Samsintentions · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 4238 Location: Texas

Well, when I'm at home and the girls come in, I will let them on the couch with me one at a time. They sit at my feet until I say it's ok. Then when its the others turn I tell the one on the couch "OFF" and they promptly getoff. I'd let them on it at the same time, but then there would be no room for me to sti!!

nern · Moderator Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 5042 Location: NY

I would restrict their access when you are'nt around or anytime you can't be watching them. Then, with one dog at a time, have practice sessions. Work on blocking and/or interupting the dog the second you notice the dog even thinking about jumping up. Wait a minute and then give your cue word while encouraging the dog to jump onto the couch. After a minute or two give your cue word for off the couch and repeat. Do several short sessions throughout the day if you have time, first with one dog at a time and then with both at the same time.

Dukesdad · Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 2:01 pm Post subject:

I'm not one to give advice on this problem as this photo shows. Laughing

Actually Duke was trained by his previous family to ask permission before jumping up on a bed or sofa. He will rest his head on the edge and give you the saddest look you have ever seen so of course he is always invited up, but at least he does ask. Freckles, on the other hand, has assumed ownership of this dog sofa but he does not get up on any other furniture.

DeLaUK · Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 2:15 pm Post subject:

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Don't get me wrong - I love having the dogs on the furniture. Nala originally was trained to not get on, but when we got Bonnie my husband relented and said they could be allowed. But now I am thinking it might have been prudent to teach them to ask permission.

doglover1234 · Member Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 42

My dogs, not spoiled by any means have their own couch so I have no good advice here. Although if they are coming to sit in my lap or be with me on the our couchs they wait for an invite. Which usually comes after they sit at my feet looking up like awww mom your lap looks really cozy which is followed by a promt invite up cause they are so darn cute. See I am great at these matters !

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

doglover1234 · Member Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 42

Does gentle scooting the dog off count as them getting down ? LOL

kyles101 · Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 9:11 am Post subject:

hmm kumas never invited herself onto things, except for the old green couch where the cats go on. shes odd, even when we encourage her onto the bed or family room couch, shes very reluctant to get on! no special training there, just a strange dog. actually, i think she does this because she prefers hard floors.

doglover1234 · Member Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Posts: 42

Might be the coolness of the tile or wood if you have those. My husky prefers the kitchen floor any day.

Samsintentions · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 4238 Location: Texas

I have a confession to make. Kinda embarrassing, but I feel that it needs to be out in the open...

I don't know about yall, but I enjoy being crushed by my 100+lb dogs!!

Seems that whenever I'm on the couch (which isn't very often) I get a dog that plopps down on me and stretches out an puts their heads on my lap. By the time Granvel gets home, there's two and I"m sitting on the floor!!! LOL

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Bah! No dog is too big to be a lap dog. Shocked

DMikeM · Member Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 328 Location: Big Bear

Duncan only likes the spot on the couch that I have just left.
Dowser likes the middle and over my lap while Pepsi likes the far end most times.
If Duncan can't get my spot he will lay in the bedroom on the bed until I leave the couch and he will steal my place.
He will abandone the spot with a snap of the finger but I always get a dirty look over it.

Samsintentions · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 4238 Location: Texas

LOL mike! Thats the cats! Garfield HAS to take my exact spot when I get up. Its like his main goal in life is to conquor the very spot I just sat in. If I'm there and not moving, he'll come sit on my lap till I want to get up...

Getting the spot back is NOT an option!!! Shocked

Jamiya... yeah. Come let Precious AND Kabuki sit on your lap... when you decide the 265lbs is enough..lemmi knw and tell me what you think THEN! LOL Rolling Eyes