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Odds are, if you own furniture, your dog is going to want to jump on it. And why not? A good couch is comfy, cozy, often near a window that’s ideal for watching other pups — or squirrels — and it smells like you.
But while your dog leaping on furniture or counters is perfectly normal, you don’t have to live with it. Learning more about why your dog does it will help you determine ways to prevent problem couch-surfing behavior.
Sparing Furniture From Fur and Nature
Furniture surfing isn’t limited to dog breed or size. All types of pups are interested in bedding down on a warm cushion. Some enjoy it because it lets them keep an eye on the room from loftier heights. Many dogs also like to guard your property or watch excitedly for your return. As a result, furniture next to windows can be particularly enticing for dogs. But training dogs to stay down isn’t quite as simple as moving sectionals away from the glass, although that’s a good start.
“If your pooch is climbing on furniture so they can look out a window, then block access to the window by pulling the drapes or installing blinds,” says Penny Leigh, AKC GoodDog! Helpline Manager.
Also, Leigh advises making another spot in the house more desirable for dogs. For instance, you could simply designate an old chair or loveseat as the dog’s spot. Or, try putting cushy, comfortable dog beds in the area with the most enticing furniture. It may take a while before old habits break and new ones are established, but eventually, the dog will get the point.
“Put blankets and towels on their spots, as well as chew toys,” she says. “If they get back on your furniture, silently take them to their spot and reward with a treat.”
Keeping Counters Clean
With counters, Leigh says the most important action is to keep counters clear of food, crumbs, and other items dogs might want to steal. Temptation is a dog’s worst enemy, and when it comes to the kitchen, it could also result in injury. For example, your pup could be badly hurt if they pulled a hot pot off the stove or oven. So it’s especially important when cooking and preparing food to put your dog in a crate, another room, or outside in a fenced yard. Barring that, you should be prepared to closely supervise your dog to prevent countersurfing.
If you choose supervision, training methods should include teaching commands like “off” and “down” with plenty of rewards. That way, your dog will learn to keep all four feet on the floor.
“Another good skill to teach your dog is ‘go to place,'” Leigh says.”This means ‘go to your bed, crate, mat, etc., and stay there.'”
You should reinforce this command particularly when cooking or prepping food. This will help make sure your dog will find a treat at their “place” and not at the counter, stove, or table.
Encountering Resistance
Like people, not all dogs are good listeners. Some are more stubborn than others. A few even have personalities that don’t take well to being told what to do. After all, no two pups are alike.
“It takes a lot of practice and consistency to create a reliable behavior,” notes Leigh.”Even then, there will be lapses. Too often, owners want to scold when things go wrong, but won’t reward when things go right.”
When Treats Are Not Enough
Although most breeds are content to snuggle on a couch and watch out the window, Leigh says that some high-energy breeds can get into more trouble because they’re looking for a job. “Without one, they make their own,” she says.
To conquer canine boredom, Leigh recommends taking them to a class that uses positive reward-based methods to learn the basics and try dog sports like Agility, AKC Rally, AKC Scent Work, and Trick Dog.
“This kind of training increases the owner-dog bond, creates confidence in dogs, and helps make a well-mannered pet for your home and neighborhood,” Leigh says. “The AKC offers numerous competitive events in which your dog can earn titles and opportunities to advance to national events. Dog sports are a great way to enjoy time with your dog and other people who love working with their canine family members.”
Of course, training and dog sports are naturally helpful in expending extra energy. That way, your dog may not have any left for furniture surfing across your home at the end of the day.