Have you noticed how dogs love to use your couch as a bed? Don't worry, we will teach you about the best way to keep your dog off the couch today! Today's article will provide you with the best options for keeping dogs off the couch and on the floor.
I get it! I have a lot of dogs - and their favorite place to lay down (and play, too!) is on my sofa! I'm not going to but baby gates around my furniture, and I don't like dog hair on my couch. I also know if they were up there unsupervised sooner or later one of them would start chewing through the cushions. Well don't worry! We have several solutions for you!
Tired of telling your best friend that the sofa is not his dog bed?
Dog owners everywhere have the same problem! AND - we have successfully found the solution. I'm happy to teach you what we do in our home to keep our pooches off the couch and on the floor.
Our team of experts has read thousands of reviews to find the best products to help keep your dog off the couch. We've done all the hard work so that you can easily find and purchase the perfect solution for your furry friend.
Why We Love It
This is actually the product we use at our house for keeping dogs off our couches. These mats are thin plastic mats that come in varying lengths to fit a full-length sofa or loveseat. They even have a curved version if that is the style of sofa you own. They really work! Our dogs do not get up on the sofa ever! Well - they try once - but then never again! We first learned about this product from a friend who had high-end stereo equipment - and he didn't want his cats getting close to it. He laid the mats on the floor around his stereo. So we decided to try it with our dogs, and it worked beautifully.
What You Should Know:
The PetSafe ScatMat Indoor Training Mat gives a slight shock (about the strength of a 9-volt battery) to your pet when they step on them. They will also shock your bootie if you sit down on them - yes - it's happened to us! And yes - I LOL every time it happens to someone. They jump up quick!
These mats cover the seats on a sofa. They do not (at least at our house) go up on the arm rests or the back of the sofa. Therefore - my dogs have figured out that they can still lay there. Ugh! But, only my small dogs (we have little tiny 10 pounders and big 60 pounders) actually try this. And for us - that's ok because they are poodles and don't shed. Plus, they have never tried to chew on my couch, so I just let them be. My big dogs wouldn't fit and therefore they just don't try. They have never even tried to pull the mat off! Sometimes we don't even turn them on ... just the sight of the mat (after they've experienced the shock once) is enough to keep them off. AND - if we forget to put them on - they jump right up on the couch - so I know they work!
This mat is designed with 7 different correction modes, so you can choose the level of correction that is best for your pet. There is a setting for just a sound - no shock, if you'd like to try that first. I know it wouldn't work for my pups - but maybe it would for yours. Plus, the LCD display shows the correction level, battery level and a counter to show how many times your pet steps on the mat.
The PetSafe ScatMat Indoor Training Mat is an easy-to-use and easy-to-clean training tool. It includes a battery-operated controller that requires one 9-volt battery (not included). It’s the perfect way to keep your pet off your couch and teach them to stay away from off-limits areas. I realize this is a personal preference, but it works for us.
Why We Love It:
The Scat Pet Shock Mat Indoor is the another solution to keep your dog off the couch. It is Amazon's choice for the best mat and is designed with an adjustable shock level that can be set to beep, beep+safe static, or safe static.
If we ever need to purchase another mat - I really do believe I would give this one a try. It's less expensive than the one we use and appears to work the same way. It doesn't have as many corection modes - but I would still give it a try.
The mat is powered by a 9V battery (not included) and the electric pulse is harmless and low-power, making it safe for your pet. It is also made of high-quality and environment-friendly soft PVC, so it is durable and can be rolled up for easy storage.
What You Should Know:
The Scat Pet Shock Mat Indoor is an effective way to train your pet to stay off the couch. It has adjustable detection lines that are 2.5cm apart, making it more efficient and accurate. The mat is also designed with a safety feature that will deactivate after 60 seconds of your pet being on the mat, so you don't have to worry about it over-stimulating your pet. It is also easy to use and store away when not in use.
Best Non-Shock Pet Deterrent
High Tech Pet Sofa Scram Sonic Dog & Cat Deterrent Repellent Mat
Why We Love It:
The High Tech Pet Sofa Scram Sonic Dog & Cat Deterrent Repellent Mat is the perfect way to keep your dog off the couch without having to resort to shock or pain. It emits a startling 85 decibel beep that will quickly get your pet off the couch fast. It is battery operated and covered with mountaineering grade pack cloth for a beautiful, rugged and absolutely annoying pet scram mat.
This is a great mat if you really are opposed to the electrical shock provided by the first two mats. I know it wouldn't work for my dogs - but it might for yours and is the next-best option available in my opinion.
What You Should Know:
The Sofa Scram was developed as much by our customers as by the company High Tech Pet. Back when scatmats first came out (about 30 years ago!) - people asked for one that did not use shock methods. This is the result. It is designed with a flexible, pressure they use on our Sound Barrier and Yard Barrier products. The product has been a best seller for the past fifteen years and is a great way to keep your pet off the couch without having to resort to shock or pain.
Why We Love It:
OK - this one made our review list if you have a small dog (like the size of a cat): Homarden Cat Repellent Outdoor - Cat Scat Mat of 16 X 13 Inches. It's easy to use and does not require any electricity, making it a safe and humane solution. The scat mat is made with high quality, flexible PP material which is both durable and lightweight. It is also heat resistant and has a breathable pattern. The mat comes with 10 sets of scat mats, each measuring 16" x 13" and has 1" spikes to keep cats away, covering 13 ft all together. You can place these mats on the floor, under plants, on the sofa, even on the counter to help deter Rover from laying down where he should not be! They can even be used with other animals such as cats, bunnies, or any other small pet you may have at home.
What You Should Know:
Our Cat Repellent Outdoor is a great solution for both indoor and outdoor use. It can be wrapped around poles and trees to prevent them from climbing, and can be placed anywhere in your house. It is a pet-friendly cat scratch deterrent and dog digging repellent, so it won't harm your furry friends. It will also protect your furniture, such as the couch, countertops, garden beds, and cars. With this Cat Repellent Outdoor, you can keep your dog off the couch and keep cats out of your indoor plants.
Best Low Tech Deterrent for Larger Dogs
Mammoth Pet Products X-Mat Foldable Training Mat
Why We Love It:
The Mammoth Pet Products X-Mat Foldable Training Mat is another solution to keep your dog off the couch. This product had mixed reviews - but the one thing that everyone said is it does not work on cats. Some even said their cat loved it! LOL! It appeared to work (and not work) for dogs of all sizes. The only way to know for sure is to try it out with your dog.
This non-electric pet deterrent keeps dogs off the couch and away from other items (such as your front door) without using shocks. The small nodules on the mat feel uncomfortable under paws, discouraging them from jumping on the couch. It’s also a great way to cover expensive furniture and block doorways to prevent damage and save your stuff. I even saw one person put them in front of baby gates they used in a door way to prevent the dog from jumping on the gate. It worked for them.
What You Should Know:
The X-Mat Foldable is a firm 18” pet corrector mat that is used by dog training professionals to help keep animals off furniture and tables. It’s an easy way to change dog behavior and is made in the USA. Plus, Mammoth Pet Products has been a leading innovator and manufacturer of premium cat and dog accessories since 1995. So you know you’re getting a quality product that will last.
How to Keep Your Dog Off the Couch - FAQs
Pet parents want to keep their dog off the couch, but don't know how. I get it! Our sofa is not supposed to be a dog bed!
It can be hard to keep your dog off the couch and other items when they’re always jumping up and trying to get comfortable. You need a reliable solution that will work, even when you are not home!
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about keeping your dog off the couch so you can find the best solution for your pup. From pet-friendly couch covers to special training techniques, you'll be able to find the perfect solution for your pup and keep them off the couch for good.
What can you put on a couch to keep dogs off?
One of the best ways we've found is to use a mat that deters your dog either because it emits a sound or a small electrical shock anytime they try to lay down on the couch. For us and our stubborn pooches - we've needed the shock method. But what is pretty cool is that they really only need to get shocked once (ok, maybe twice) and they stop trying to get on the sofa! We don't always turn it on - and they still stay off!
There are also deterrent sprays - but we, personally, have not had as much luck with these. Plus - I personally don't like to keep spraying stuff on my couch. Eventually that is going to build up and cause a problem, too.
Additionally, you can train your dog to stay off the couch and other furniture by using positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, when they stay off the furniture.
What is the best homemade dog repellent?
The best homemade dog repellent is a mixture of vinegar and water. Mix one part vinegar to four parts water, and spray it on areas where you don't want your dog to go. This will help discourage your dog from returning to those areas. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like citronella, lavender, or eucalyptus to the mixture to make it even more effective.
What can I spray on furniture to keep pets off?
There are several products on the market that are designed to help pet parents keep pets off the couch. These products typically contain essential oils such as citronella, lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus, as well as other natural ingredients that are unpleasant to animals. You can also use a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of essential oil to spray onto the couch or other areas you want to keep pets away from.
Does aluminum foil keep dogs off furniture?
No, aluminum foil does work for dogs - but I have seen it keep cats off of the couch quite effectively. Dogs may be repelled by the sound of the foil crinkling, but they will likely ignore it after a few minutes.
What smells will keep dogs off furniture?
There are a few smells that can be used to keep dogs off the couch. Citrus smells such as lemon, lime, and orange are known to be unpleasant to dogs and can be used to deter them from certain areas. You can also use essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus to keep dogs away. Additionally, vinegar is a great natural odor repellent for dogs. You can spray vinegar or a mixture of vinegar and water on furniture and other areas that you want to keep dogs away from.
What can I put on my furniture so my dog won't pee on it?
The best way to prevent your dog from peeing on your couch is to train them to use an appropriate area for elimination. This can be done through positive reinforcement and consistent training.
If you have a very stubborn dog - we have one - you can also purchase doggy diapers. We have a male that loves to mark territory - especially if one of my females is in heat. I don't blame him - that is just part of the nature of dogs. So we have purchased these belly bands for him. It's funny - he actually seems to enjoy when we put them on him! Probably because we make a positive fuss over him - and he loves the attention.
You can also try using a pet-safe cover or throw on the couch. This will provide a physical barrier to keep your pet away from the couch and will also protect the furniture from any accidents. We used these, too.
Finally, you can also try using a pet-safe repellent spray. These sprays use natural ingredients like citrus or vinegar to create an unpleasant smell that will discourage your pet from urinating on the couch.
What essential oils keep dogs from chewing on the couch?
Some essential oils that can help keep dogs from chewing on the couch and other furniture include lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass. These oils contain natural compounds that can help deter dogs from chewing on the couch. You can use a few drops of these oils in a spray bottle with water, and then spray the couch with the solution.
If the piece of furniture is NOT covered in fabric (say the legs of a chair) - we have used hot sauce that we can wash off after our dog got a taste of it. It has worked for us!
How do you make homemade pet spray?
Making homemade pet spray is easy and can be made with items you likely already have in your home. Start by combining 1 cup of water, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 10-15 drops of tea tree oil and eucalyptus in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients. To use, spray the mixture onto your pet's fur and brush it through. This is a great spray to help repel fleas and ticks - but it's not going to keep your pet off the furniture.
What spray do dogs not like?
Most dogs don't like to be sprayed with anything. I keep a spray bottle of just plain water close by to stop any behavior I want to discourage. For example, if the Amazon delivery truck pulls up and one of my dogs starts barking, I just spray him with water - and he will stop (at least for a while) and then I praise his good behavior. It's amazing what just plain water can do.
There are a variety of sprays that dogs don't like, such as citronella, peppermint, and eucalyptus. These sprays are used to deter dogs from chewing on the couch, digging in the yard, or other unwanted behaviors. Additionally, you can use a bitter apple spray, which is a water-based solution that tastes bad to dogs. It can be sprayed on the couch, plants, or any surface that you want your dog to stay away from.
Conclusion:
While it can be difficult to keep a pet off of the couch, there are ways to make it happen. We've provided several different deterrents you could try with your pup as soon as this week if you just place your Amazon order today!
Also, you and every member of your family need to establish the same ground rules with your pup because it can be confusing to them if one person tells them they cannot be on the couch - while another member lets them.
Also, you need to provide ample opportunities for them to burn off energy. Give them plenty of toys and create an area in the home just for them. If they start getting on the couch, redirect their attention and offer positive reinforcement when they stay off.
As long as owners are consistent in their efforts to discourage the behavior, their pup should learn to stay off the furniture soon enough. Pets will always be curious creatures, so it's important to bear in mind that this process may take some time and patience. But with a little bit of effort from both owner and pet, everyone can enjoy comfortable cuddles without worrying about fur on the couch! Above all else, remember that no matter how hard it can be sometimes, having a complete understanding of your furry companion's needs is essential for building a lasting bond between you both.
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