Our 1 1/2-year-old dog loves to climb on the living room couch when
we're not around..The layout of our house is such that the room can't be
closed off, and unless we want to crate him all day (which we don't)
there's no way to prevent him from sleeping on the couch. I've seen
various gadgets in catalogs that make noises or give a shock when the
dog gets on the couch. Do these work, and are they safe?
-Maria in Pittsburgh
A dog climbing up on a couch is committing a crime of opportunity - the
opportunity being the fact you are not there to interrupt it. Every time
your dog jumps on the couch and you say nothing (because you're not there),
there is an implied consent that it's OK to use the couch whenever it wants.
I'd rather prevent an action than correct it, but in your circumstance, it
sounds as if prevention is not an option. There are several tools and gizmos
on the market that might help you. Most are based in Aversion Training
Techniques. Aversion tools are designed to bother and annoy the dog when it
behaves improperly, i.e., jumping on your couch. Other tools available are
based in Avoidance Training Techniques. These inflict pain when a dog
misbehaves. I like to try Aversion tools first. Be warned you may have to
go through a trial and error before finding the proper tool for your dog.
I like things called "Scat Mats". These are battery driven mats you lay on
the couch. When the dog jumps on one, it vibrates - annoying the dog.
Beware though, I know of one dog who actually enjoyed the vibrating sensation
and used the couch as her very own Barco-lounger.
When I do venture into the Avoidance, or pain, realm, I use an indoor version
of an outdoor hidden electronic fence system. This involves a radio wave
transmitter you plug into a wall outlet with. You may have to install radio
wave emitting wires around or near the protected area. (I prefer to block
off the room altogether.) Whenever you leave, you place the receiver collar
on the dog. When it approaches the forbidden area, it receives a tangible
shock chasing it away. The possible negative effect may be that the dog may
not want to enter the forbidden area even when invited.
When any tool is properly matched and used with a given dog, the onus is own
the people to ensure the device is activated when you wish to block the
behavior. All these tools are designed to instill a tool driven behavior,
meaning NO TOOL - NO BEHAVIOR.
return to Question Topic: House Destruction
go to top of the page
