It was a movie night at home, and as usual, my wife and I were sitting on our lazy sofa. Suddenly, our dog Island came and squeezed between us on the couch.
It was just another day with him on the sofa. Until last week, my colleague at Atunus Home told me she never lets her dog on the sofa. I came to ponder, why dogs like to sit on sofas? Should or shouldn’t we let them do so?How to protect sofa from dogs?
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Reasons for Dogs to Sit on Sofas
There is a world of vets and ethologists researching animal behaviors. I read the book Translating Your Pet’s Behavior by pet expert Denise Mange, and it inspires me a lot. Here’s what I learned from the book about why dogs like to sit on couches.
Dogs Want to Stay Warm and Cozy
Sofas are designed for coziness, and it’s not just us who enjoy them—dogs love the softness too. My dog, for example, falls asleep much faster on our floor sofa than on his own bed.
Also, it’s winter in my place, when we leave the stove and air conditioner off, the living room can feel as cold as outside. Since my couch is a rather soft one, my dog can enjoy himself in the nestling comfort. He even learned to pull a blanket over himself for extra comfort!
Dogs Want to Stay Close to Owners
As social animals, dogs love being close to their owners. They thrive on connection, and being near their humans helps their emotional well-being. For many dogs, the sofa isn’t just a place to relax—it’s a space to bond, feel loved, and stay close.
Dogs Want to Be the Center of the Family
Dogs naturally enjoy being part of family life. Sitting on the sofa allows them to stay in the heart of the action, making them feel included. By sitting on the couch, dogs position themselves as a central part of the family, reinforcing their role as cherished and beloved members.
Benefits of Allowing Dogs on Sofas
I work all day and spend just a few hours with my dog in the evening. In this situation, letting him on the sofa provides a chance for close contact, such as cuddling and snuggling.
It’s certainly important for dogs with separation anxiety. With our smells left on the sofa, he can obtain a sense of security to compensate for the loneliness.
It not only benefits the dog; it also alleviates the stress and anxiety of pet owners. The warmth and companionship of a snuggling dog reduce loneliness and boost happiness, making life more fulfilling for both.
Concerns About Allowing Dogs on Sofas
While allowing dogs on the sofa can bring joy and comfort, it comes with a few concerns, including:
- Incorrect Understanding of Boundaries: Dogs might develop a sense of entitlement and think they can sit on the sofa whenever they want, leading to behavioral issues.
- Hygiene Issues: Dogs shed fur, bring in dirt, and may have accidents, which can make the sofa dirty.
- Allergies: Pet dander and hair can trigger allergies for sensitive family members.
- Damage to Furniture: Dogs, especially active ones, might scratch or tear the sofa fabric, causing wear and tear.
- Space Conflict: Larger dogs may take up too much room, leaving little space for the owner.
You may want to ask the question: How to protect my sofa from dogs? Don’t worry, the expert at Atunus Home has summarized the following solutions for you.
Guide to Sofa Rules for Dogs
It’s crucial to ensure they are well-behaved and keep the sofa clean. Training your dog to know when and where to relax helps maintain both comfort and discipline. Here’s how to handle these concerns.
How to Train Them to Stay on Their Spot
We all know that dogs are territorial, so they tend to take over as many spots as possible, including the sofa. Therefore, it’s key to teach them boundaries.
To do this, you can use a blanket, a pet bed, or a specific corner of the sofa as their spot. Set a command like “stay” or “spot” to limit its realm. Reward them when they comply. Call it out or even punish it if it refuses.
How to Make Sure the Sofas is Clean
Although dogs stay at their spots, they easily leave their fur, dirt, and dander. Regularly freshen and vacuum the sofa. Groom your dog frequently to reduce shedding and odors. Besides, I will put pet wipes near the door and sofa to clean his paws after walking.
More importantly, we use the sofa with washable covers. Their pet-friendly fabrics make cleaning so much easier. Now we use the Atunus Home Teddy Velvet Sofa. It is soft and pet-friendly, with a removable slipcover that we wash about twice a week.
How to Use Sofa Sharing as A Reward, Not A Privilege
To prevent your dog from jumping on the sofa whenever they please, only allow access when they are calm and well-behaved. If they get excited or misbehave, gently guide them off. At this time, use commands like “up” to allow access and “off” to ask him to leave, he should only get on the sofa when invited. Sofa access should be a reward, not a privilege they take for granted.
Conclusion
Allowing dogs on the sofa can deepen your bond and bring comfort for both you and your pet. However, you should pay attention to potential concerns like cleanliness, setting boundaries, and managing behavior. Meanwhile, choosing a pet-friendly sofa also makes a difference. With consistency care and rules, sharing the sofa can be a positive and rewarding experience.