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!

I didn't know that Berners shed that much!

Even if they don't, the answering technique is worth a shot! I bet the dog is really surprised, especially the first few times the call comes through!

Like all dogs, berners shed their hair like crazy; I just have to bear with this minor incovenience and clean up as I go along.

I am unable to keep my dog inside the house, so I don't have a problem like that, but your friend's remedy is really interesting. I never would have thought of that.

I should tell my friends about this

Originally Posted by tina

I am unable to keep my dog inside the house, so I don't have a problem like that, but your friend's remedy is really interesting. I never would have thought of that.

I should tell my friends about this

I thought this was a funny, and terribly creative. I think he has to avoid calling at the same time every day, though.

Otherwise, the dog would learn to expect the voice and learn to ignore it!

I wonder if the "answering machine technique" could be used to curb chewing? I guess you would have to know what time of day the dog was most likely to chew your favorite shoes so you could yell at him on cue!

That's a fantastic idea and one that I never thought of. Most dogs are pretty good about staying off furniture if you make sure that this habit doesn't start when they're young but if I adopted an older Berner with this tendency then I would definitely try this.

Haha! I can only imagine the dog's surprise at hearing the voice of his master, even when he is not physically there! Couldn't help but smile myself silly when I read this! Any more unique ideas, anyone? Keep it coming!

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.

That is a great idea with the answering machine. I once had this cover that went under my cushions. When my dog would jump on the couch it would vibrate and my dog would quickly jump off.