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Chibi

Why aren't dogs allowed in the sofa?

I've read through the internet that some dogs are not allowed on the sofa? Why is that? Is my min pin included? I want her to sit on the sofa with me at times, is that not allowed?


Asked by Chibi on Feb 26th 2011 in Behavior & Training
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Bruno

LOL, it's totally up to you- a lot of people don't want their dogs on the sofa because they don't want mud and hair on it, and they have a really big dog who will take the whole couch if they let it. I don't think little Chibi is going to make any problems for you.

here's some advice- don't take ANYONE's word as gospel regarding dog training. Everyone does it differently- some say NEVER let the dog on the couch, others say- sure, let 'em, it's great for bonding! Totally up to you.


Bruno answered on Feb 26th.

Other Answers

Answers

Dieta

I think that's a personal thing. If you want the dog to be on the couch, then do so.
For me, personally, I don't allow the dogs on the couch. It is too hairy and I want at least one spot to call my own with no plugs of hair to sit on. If I want plugs of hair, on my clothes I can sit on the floor with them.
But, if the dog starts biting, peeing and pooing on the couch then you shouldn't let them up on the couch. That is bad.
Other then that, have your faithful pooch on the couch with you.
I don't let my little dog up anymore, he use to come up when invited, but he hurt his neck and the doctor said no.
So, some breeds such as the dauchaund, they are prone to back issues because of their length, people advise them not to be on couches where they can jump off and hurt themselves :)


Dieta answered on 2/27/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Halo

I don't allow young puppies on any furniture, not because I don't want them there but, because they could injure themselves if they jump down on their own. Once they have the coordination and can jump up there easily, then they are allowed on the furniture.

I do have 3 bean bags the pups can climb into and out of on their own, so that's what they sit on if they don't want to be on the floor, until they are old enough to jump on the sofa by themselves.


Halo answered on 2/27/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Cody

It's a personal decision. My dogs are allowed on the couch, with rules:

1.If there are already people on the couch, dogs may only get up there if invited.
2. People get first dibs. Dogs must move when people want to sit in their spot.
3. No bad behavior on the couch (including fighting, going to the bathroom, chewing the furniture, etc.)
4.Dogs must get off the couch when commanded to do so, for any reason.
5.Humans own the couch, not dogs. Any possessive behavior from dogs will not be tolerated.

My dogs see it as a big reward, to sit on the couch, and they know if they don't follow the rules, they don't get to be there. This does require some training and work; new dogs must "earn" the privilege to get on the couch.

If you are good at enforcing the guidelines, your dog doesn't destroy your couch or become possessive of it, and you want your dog to sit there, go for it.

But if you want the couch to yourself, that's okay too.


Cody answered on 2/27/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 2 Report this answer


Cookies 'n' Creme (1998-2011)

If you want her on and it doesn't cause issues, go for it! =)

Some people don't because they don't like the fur on it, or because they believe it will cause dominance issues. I personally write the latter off as bull hockey--I've never known any dog to be dominant just because you let him on the furniture, but people can do or believe what they like.
My GSD isn't allowed on the couch anymore, but that's because she has incontinence issues.


Cookies 'n' Creme (1998-2011) answered on 2/27/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Luke

Definitely a personal preference! If you've got a large breed, sharing a couch can get to be a bit unpleasant. But i'm sure Chibi wouldn't ever take up too much room. It's similar to whether or not you want your dog to sleep on the bed with you. If your single and have a large bed- great! If there are two and it's smaller- a dog on the floor might be preferred. :)


Luke answered on 2/28/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Seth

Another point is if the dog is a digger, they could start to scratch at the cussions and work a hole in them


Seth answered on 3/1/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Rico

It's really about training and leadership. If your dog respects you and gets off of the couch or bed whenever you tell him, it's no problem. The problem occurs in dogs that think they own the furniture and that means they 'out-rank' the people.
If your dog has behavioral issues, nipping, biting, destruction, separation anxiety, leadership skill become very important for people to know!


Rico answered on 3/2/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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