I see this as a problem only for people that allow it to be one.
The dogs that create a problem with it are spoiled or truly dominant dogs.
The fact that you seem to understand the issue leads me to think it wont be a problem with you.
As long as the dog responds to "off" without complaining I don't see any problem. If you get even a simple glare or grumble then furniture is off limits.
Marker train the off. If it's a pleasant experience it shouldn't lead to problems down the road.
CJ Barrett Webboard User Reg: 04-19-2009
Posts: 1797
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We could care less either way but the dogs have never made a habit of it, very rare that they even come near the couches. They have their mats and crates and cushions and seem quite content with them. They do have really good house manners though, there’s not a lot of wandering around or jockeying for positions.
The odd time, for any number of reasons, one being my coaxing, they will hop up and hang out for a bit but never very long. I don’t think I’ve ever had to tell any of them to get off a couch.
They all have fairly dense coats though and our couches are quite cushy and warm. I really think they prefer the cooler floor area, especially in winter when we have the wood stove blazing holy hanna inside.
Ripley will lie his head on the couch and moan, but he will not jump up unless he's given the ok. I didn't teach him this, it somehow evolved. Same with the bed. He has immaculate house manners, but I really can't take credit. It's all him.
I don't sleep well without him. I even get a sense of peace when he snores, and I'm fascinated by his dreams.
Mine are allowed on the furniture and the bed, but right from the get-go they were taught the meaning of the command "Off!" and they comply with no fuss if they hear it.
I'm one of those people who has a strong need for physical contact with my dogs. I get a lot of pleasure and comfort out of our "group snuggle" in the evenings if I'm watching TV in the bedroom. If I'm reading in bed, however, I usually make them stay off because they tend to want to get between me and the book stand or put their wet noses on the pages.
If I had a dog with dominance issues, it would be a different story.
Angie Stark Webboard User Reg: 07-24-2009
Posts: 167
Loc: Chicago, IL
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Mine started showing dominance issues early so I decided to never let him on furniture/beds. He knows "place" and "off" and now that he's 3, I decided when I was home alone, Id let him sleep on the other side of the king sized bed. I thought as long as I had the power to make him get off the bed at anytime, it was still "mine". The second time I let him on the bed, I walked by him and reached over to pet him and he growled at me. We had a little 'meeting' and he will never be allowed on any furniture/bed again. Give him an inch and he takes a mile.
Melissa Hoyer Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2005
Posts: 1340
Loc: SE Michigan
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This makes me laugh a bit because I just looked over and my 8 month old pup is snoozing on the love seat. So yes, I do allow my dogs on the furniture. They are a smart group too...know that they can get up on my couches, but not at my mom's house.
All know the off command and I have never had any issue with any of them, except my hubby's cairn terrier recently...she will get snarky if you touch her to push her off, but honestly, that is because she is so stinking old that she sleeps really deeply and startles easily. She does get off the furniture very easily if you wake her up and tell her off.
Thanks everyone...seems like he could be allowed on the furniture with little issue. I think I'm going to try it and see how he does. My husband is likely going overseas next month and I'm going to need someone to cuddle with while watching TV. He knows "off" and obeys it easily so I think we will be fine
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Re: Furniture...yes or no?
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