2007-03-09 13:45:11 · 6 answers · asked by iSwim 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Main thing is to be consistent. If you don't want her on the couch, ever, make sure you (and your friends, family, etc.) all feel the same way... because if she can get up there sometimes, she'll try it EVERY time! They're not dumb!
As an alternative, make sure she has a comfy bed, or even her own loveseat, if you have a thrift store nearby. That way the alternative is attractive to her, make sure she has cookies and toys and a blankie on her non-couch perches. Hope that makes sense.
Every time she hops up, tell her to hop down, using a cookie or a toy to get her to comply, if needed. If you get tired and give up, all you've done is teach her to be persistent. Which is kinda like a game to them... "hey, Mom wants me to jump up on the couch 15 times and then we can snuggle and watch TV"!
Don't be afraid to call an animal behaviorist (your vet can probably recommend one). Patricia McConnell, the author and trainer, pointed out that we never hesitate to take tennis lessons or have a coach for our kids, but we expect to "know it all" about dogs without any help. Good luck!
2007-03-09 13:54:23 · answer #1 · answered by Kdog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here are two different methods that work ...
1st, the cheapest .... get a spray bottle, fill it two thirds with water and one third with white vinegar .... spray your dog toward her snout every time she begins to act as if she is going to get up on the couch, you also might want to use a correction word or phrase like simply NO or NO COUCH etc. Be consistent and if you have left the room and the dog gets on the sofa, use the spray and say OFF! Be consistent most of all.
2nd and more expensive but requires less committment ... buy some of those plastic runners that have the plastic type spikes to hold the mat down on the carpet ... turn it upside down and put it on the furniture that you don't want your dog to jump on ... trust me stepping on the back of one of those runners HURTs and they won't want to jump up there for long ... but you need to use these tools until your dog begins to completely ignore the possibility of being able to get up on the furniture. Those are the best two suggestions I can make.
2007-03-09 22:31:00 · answer #2 · answered by amy h 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Double sticky tape!! or duct tape rolled in half so it makes a circle and its sticky on both sides....it works wonders... might be a issue while you are at home because you will have to move the tape to sit but its so worth it... but do it while you are not at home... it'll drive it nuts.... it works but it might take a few times.... have patience... and make sure yoou correct it while you are at home... Border Collies are one of the smartest breeds and you should not have an issue....good luck...smile
2007-03-09 22:18:50 · answer #3 · answered by marnibrown1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, keep those pesky sheep off the couch! lol
Ok, just kidding there....
There are a variety of products available, ranging from sprays that have an unpleasant scent, to pads that carry a small electrical charge, that will help you to train your pet to stay off or out of undesirable areas. You may want to google one of the chains like PetsMart, or something like a veterinary supply store.
You may also want to check into some of the work of the guy who's the "Dog Whisperer" (sorry, I've forgotten his name), because this may involve issues of control and dominance.
Good luck!
2007-03-09 21:53:38 · answer #4 · answered by Joya 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Put a pit bull on the couch.
2007-03-09 21:52:16 · answer #5 · answered by dardekkis 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't let her on it. Ever. If she jumps on it, immediately push or pull her off and say no. It will take some time, but the dog will learn. Good luck!
2007-03-09 22:38:03 · answer #6 · answered by krissy4543 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋