Originally Posted by R1986

I think when you're first training the puppy you have to make sure you're not always putting them up on the couch with you as well. As far as I know dogs naturally sort themselves out (via pack mentality) based on elevation so they get confused if they are always getting to lie down with the 'Alpha Dog' (human owners) at the same height like on a couch or bed.

Hmm...interesting. So maybe that explains why a lot of dogs get to favor the sofa so well. But personally, I couldn't help but cuddle with those adorable creatures in the sofa as well!

I think dogs in general like to get on to a soft couch whether its taken or not when it is a pup. Because I took my stray dog when it was about 3 years old, and it still loves to get on to the couch or the bed.

Even if we wanted to keep Riley off the couch, I dont think we could. Bernese are really just big lap dogs. He loves nothing more to curl up on your lap when you are watching tv! They like to be not just in the same room with you but touching you too. Sometimes your legs really do hurt, but after awhile they just go numb!

Haha yes Bernese and the couch. We started off with good intentions, but he loves his cuddles too, so now Ollie has the couch, and sometimes we cuddle and other times he uses it as his bed, he has his own quilt on it. No that he is spoit
I love the answering machine technique I can just imagine Ollie's face looking around for where it came from with that typical Bernese confused look.

[quote=Maddie;7]One of the biggest issues many face, is keeping your lovable companion from jumping all over your best couch. Even when they stay down while you are at home, they sneak up when you are gone.

A friend of mine came up with a great remedy.

He calls home about 4 times a day, to his answering machine, which is turned up as loud as it will go.

He waits for the tone, then says, "Get down!" in his sternest voice.

He swears the dog fur on his best couch has become non-existent.

The technique must be working!




It's situations such as these that make me glad that we're crate training! lol I don't have to worry for a second about what Toa is doing when I'm not home :P