Vet settles debate on whether you should let dogs on the sofa

Letting your dogs on the furniture often comes down to personal preference, with many owners preferring to keep their sofas fur-free and clean. However, for those who do like their dogs on the furniture, some owners worry it will impact their dog’s behaviour. 

A vet has revealed that letting a dog on the furniture can be completely harmless, as long as owners follow certain rules. Writing on Spruce Pets, veterinary technician Jenna Stregowski said: “Despite what some people believe, allowing your dog on the furniture will not make him think he is in charge. It will not suddenly cause aggression or dominance. However, be careful not to inadvertently reinforce certain behaviours, or you will be sending the wrong message.”

If you’re keen to share the sofa with your pet, she recommended that owners start by teaching a few commands before they are allowed up, so that the dog understands it is a privilege, not a right.

As the pet health and behaviour editor for Spruce Pets, she added: “Many owners choose to allow their dogs on furniture only when they are invited up.”

She recommended by first teaching the “off” command and then teaching them to “go to your place”, which means their resting spot. If your dog tries to jump up, issue these commands and then give them a reward so they learn them.

After successful training, you can start introducing pets to certain pieces of furniture. She recommended always asking them to sit first, then patting the seat for them to come up.

If they begin to disobey your ground rules, such as growling at you, it’s important to keep a consistent routine by telling them to get off, so they learn what behaviour is acceptable.

As soon as the dog starts to show aggressive behaviour while on the furniture, action should be taken. If they growl or snap at you while you try to sit down, or they refuse to move for you, they should be taken off.