Just looking for a bit of feedback from others with more dog experience than me!

We have never allowed Lenney on our furniture in the 2-1/2 yrs that we've had her. It has actually never come up as an "issue" -- she just never even tried. Well this morning I came into the living room and there she was, comfortably curled up in a big old chair in front of the wood-burning stove. Surprised (and still a bit groggy from a poor night of sleep), I mumbled something along the lines of "what are you doing there?" and took her collar to pull her off. She resisted, so I clipped the leash on and led her off. I wasn't angry at all -- as I said, just kinda surprised -- and so was very calm.

Now I am wondering: would this have something to do with the whole "establishing pack structure" that we are working on? The timing of it seems too much of a coincidence to not be related... Any thoughts? Any suggestions for preventing/dealing with this if there is a repeat occurence?

(Geez, and just when I was beginning to feel I was making some headway with my "leadership skills")

well it all comes down to, who is in control and the leader?

I wouldn't read too much into in, dogs do sometimes test, and sometimes they just think somewhere else looks pretty comfortable.

You made him get down, so I think all is good.

 Quote: Marina Latulippe

comfortably curled up in a big old chair in front of the wood-burning stove.

Sounds good to me too - I would have snapped a picture.

 Quote: Tammy Moore

 Quote: Marina Latulippe

comfortably curled up in a big old chair in front of the wood-burning stove.

Sounds good to me too - I would have snapped a picture.

Me too. I actually have a picture of Hobbes curled up in my recliner which isn't allowed. I took the pic, then ordered him off which he did without a fuss so no problem. IMO.

Yup, I've got one of those pictures too. Heck now that I think about it, I've got quite a few of them.

We really could care less whether the boys want a seat on the furniture or not. Their preference is not. It seems their own cushions and crates are more suited and comfortable to them.

I wouldn't mind more snuggle time on the couch, save me having to hang out on the floor with them, but they're big and furry and I think they find the lower areas cooler and more roomy to stretch out.

Whether it's a butt on the couch or a spot right in the middle of the kitchen floor, it doesn't really make a difference. If I ask them to move, they always do and they're often still rewarded for it.

Nothing in life is free in our house and positive actions are highly reinforced. Just an excuse for me to give them a treat.

If you don't want the dogs on the furniture just put mouse traps all over the chair. If the dog is to small for that then just cover them with a layer of news paper.
The dog has to learn that "getting on" the furniture has consequences. "Being on" has a completely different meaning to the dog since "getting on" was in the past and forgotten to the dog. No connection at all!
What your going to teach the dog by correcting after the fact is that it will learn to get down when you enter the room. That's NOT going to stop it from "getting on" the furniture.
Make sense?
It's the same principal for "getting into" the trash. You walk in and see the trash all over "the floor". To late to correct because you didn't see the dog actually "getting into" the trash. Now the dog "looks" guilty because you just walked into a situation that the dog has been taught it will cause you to get mad. Trash "on the floor", NOT "getting into" the trash. The dog will never connect the two. THEY'RE DOGS FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!
Forever folks have been saying "My dog knows he/she is wrong for "getting into" the trash. WRONG!
I also don't think every action has to mean a test of leadership. It could simply be a training issue.

You can also use a "scat mat" or, an office chair carpet protector
turned upside down (so that the points are facing up).

A baby gate laid on the top of the furniture works. My dogs lay on my bed ,couch,floor or where ever I allow them to be. We have an understanding.

I've used furniture privileges to continue training exercises.

You were right to get the leash and clip it on. Grabbing a dog by the collar and pulling is not a safe practice.

In our house, part of being the pack leaders' job is designating what furniture is allowed, and which is not. I like having my dogs up on furniture with me. I work at home a lot and we enjoy each other's company. They are not, however, allowed on the bed. I used an x-pen fence for a long time, and now it doesn't occur to them to try to get up on the bed.

Sometimes Skipper gets a little territorial about sharing the couch with Jethro, so I use that opportunity to let Skipper know that I expect him to share the couch. It is very sweet to see them starting to actually cuddle with each other. This is new.

Also, I've been training both dogs to follow my pointing finger, ie. go upstairs and lay down, go up here, go down there, go this way, etc. It is very handy. I've used the exercise of getting onto (and off of, or scooting to the other end) of furniture to build this cue.

I wouldn't read too much into it in terms of testing. Its winter, its cold, there was a nice warm fire and an empty, comfy spot. If you want better control during the night, you might have to consider having your dog sleep in a crate.