I have a 5 month old GSD that likes to climbs onto my sofa. He is never left unsupervised, so as soon as I catch him I say "NO, OFF" and grab him by the collar and remove him. After about 50 times of doing this, I'm wondering if I should teach him "OFF" with positive reinforcement. He knows "sit" and "down" and learned them pretty quickly using markers and treats. He has food drive.

I'm asking this because I read somewhere in Ed's articles that this behavior is pack behavior and it should be corrected always. Hence, I don't want to reward him for something that he should know is wrong. Since he's just 5 month old, I don't want to correct him with the leash or electric collar to stop this behavior.

Should I wait a couple of month more so I can shock him when he jumps on the sofa? I'm sure he'll learn not to in a matter of minutes.

Electric collars are great training aids...provided you use them correctly. Before you even buy one get Ed's remote collar DVD and watch it...it takes you through all the steps.

As for your pup, try putting a drag leash on him, supervise a little more closely, and try to anticipate the jumping up before it ever happens. A pop of the leash, using a flat collar, when he's thinking about jumping up then a marker, verbal praise, and treat when he doesn't might work well. Set the stage and set him up, making this a VERY short training lesson. Being proactive instead of reactive is, IMO, a far more positive experience for dog and owner.

I say make "off" a fun command (especially with a puppy). It makes long term housemanners much easier if the dog WANTS to keep its feet on the floor. (Just like recall training is so easy if the dog WANTS to be near you.)

Keep some awesome treats in a bait bag. When your pup jumps on the couch, give off command and make getting down absolutely worth it with treats, play (especially any game that involves running into another room or away from the couch).

Be ready for when your pup looks at the couh and decides to not jump up. That is the time for a huge "jackpot" and you can make some really good progress. That is also an appropriate time to begin corrections for jumping up.

If your dog is bully-headed or figures out that to get "off" he needs to jump on, then don't hesitate to use more correction and control.

Starting out with play games is great, but it does need to be followed up with a correction phase.

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I'm asking this because I read somewhere in Ed's articles that this behavior is pack behavior and it should be corrected always.

A safe and cautious rule of thumb. Another way to say it to pet owners who can't possibly deal with the dog not being on furniture (?!) is: If the dog gets off the furniture willingly and immediately on command, it is not challenging your leadership and being on the couch is OK.

If there is a toddler in the house, I believe a very strict "no dogs on the couch" rule should be enforced. A dog lying on the couch is at direct eye level with a toddler walking by on the floor.

Thx for your replies.

I will do an afternoon session and teach the dog the OFF command with markers and treats. I will try not to say OFF for the next couple of days unless I have treats handy. If he gets on the couch I'll just remove him without saying OFF first... until he learns it.

I will buy Ed's EC DVD (when the day comes), even though I've watched a different EC DVD by another trainer.

I wouldnt use an ecollar on a puppy. Wait till 10-12 months before you start with that if you go the e-collar route. I like Anne's method.