How do I keep my cat and dog from laying on the couch?

Answer 1

How long have you been allowing them to get up there? The issue is cats are going to go where they want. I'm not sure why you would get a cat if you didn't want it on your stuff? That's why they call it FURniture! :) Dogs are pretty easy to train when it comes to stuff like that. Every time s/he gets up there, push him off and tell him "no." If you're leaving the room push the coffee table up against the couch so s/he can't get up there, or kennel him or her when you leave the room. It won't take long before the dog figures it out.
You can also purchase a "scat mat" that is placed on the couch and will give a small shock to any animal that touches it (it can be plugged in or battery operated). Either way you must make sure that you're constantly enforcing these rules with your pets to make sure they know you mean business...letting them on the couch once in a while will only confuse things. Honestly, when it comes to cats, you're going to have the most trouble because they're gonna do what they want. This is definitely going to be the case if they've been allowed on the couch from a young age and you've suddenly changed the rules due to the purchase of a new couch.
If the issue is claws, please don't get your cat declawed...there are claw caps that can be purchased and glued over the cat's own claws to keep them from scratching.

Answer 2

There are several things you could use:

Training is a good one for the dog. Although I recommend positive reinforcment training (that means not using the word "no"). My dog is clicker trained and I did it myself within a few weeks. There are a lot of good training classes (try PetSmart--great classes).

If you don't want to train there is a pad that you put on the furniture that vibrates when the cats or dogs jump up on it. After a few times they should get the idea. Just make sure you don't sit on it yourself!!

Or if you still don't want that, there is a spray that is safe for furniture called "Stay Off." It will take about 5 or 6 applications (once a day I think) for it to be effective.

I know I go to PetSmart for everything I need and the people are very helpful and knowledgable. Ask someone there if you can.

Answer 3

how did they get the idea that it was ok in the first place? if you were ok with the dog laying on the couch when you got him, then he's not going to change. and cats sit anywhere they feel like, so there's no changing her mind.

Answer 4

Why stop them? They're your roomates. Besides, it's a cat/dog thing. Put a throw on the sofa where they normally lie down and get a lint roller to remove the hairs periodically. Wash the throw once a month or so.

My cats sit on the sofa, the bed, the chairs-- they're cool.

Answer 5

A friend puts mousetraps on the couches in his house. It took only one snap, and the dogs left it alone. He doesn't even have to set them any more - just set them out.

Answer 6

put an oder on the couch like perfume or something. not so much and expirement with different scents to see which one they dislike the most. see if that works. =]

Answer 7

get a sofa