How do I stop my dog getting on the sofa?

Dogs generally struggle with rules that apply only sometimes, such as being allowed on the sofa when you are relaxed but told off when guests visit, since this kind of inconsistency creates confusion rather than clear understanding. Decide on one rule, always allowed, never allowed, or only with an explicit invitation, and apply it the same way every single day.

A thin, flat dog bed on the floor rarely competes with a soft sofa cushion in a dog's assessment of comfort, so invest in a properly padded bed placed close to where you sit, so your dog can still be near you without being on the furniture itself. Adding a blanket with your scent on it to the new bed also increases its appeal in the first week or two.

Rather than only reacting once your dog is already on the sofa, catch the moment it approaches or puts front paws up, redirect calmly to the bed, and reward generously once it settles there. Consistent redirection over one to two weeks, done every single time rather than occasionally, produces a far more reliable result than sporadic correction.

A textured throw, an uncomfortable-feeling mat, or simply keeping the sofa cushions upright against the back during unsupervised time can discourage climbing up while training is still taking effect. Remove these temporary measures once the new habit is well established, generally after three to four weeks of consistent redirection.