Couch = Bed ???? NO!

[AkirasMom]

We have 2 dog beds for Akira in the house. One upstairs in the bedroom where she sleeps at night and one downstairs in the living room where she sleeps during the day. Or so we would LIKE it to be!

When we first brought her home from the shelter she headed straight for the living room couch. I gave her a firm "NO" and she immediately got off. Over the last few months, we have found her on the couch MANY times (she NEVER tries to get on when we're in the room). And she's gotten much more defiant about being up there. Where at first a strong "OFF" would work, now I have to walk over to her and practically pull her off. We've also been putting things all over the couch when we leave the room (not always a practical solution) and have finally resorted to the coins-in-the-can trick. And it seems to be working.... So what's the problem you ask?

Well, last night I came home and she was sleeping on the OTHER sofa. The one in the study. She's never even looked at it before and last night she greeted me at the door and then walked right back onto her new "bed". AAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGHHHHHHH!!!! What am I doing wrong????? I can close the door to the study and that will eliminate that problem - but how can I make her stop doing this once and for all?

[WorkinDogz]

Personally; I would crate her when I leave if she were my dog...

But obviously; she's got other ideas and her couch habit it taking over.

There's a nifty little thing called a skat-mat that works very well. It's a mat that uses an electric stimuli when the dog jumps on it.

It's available in most Pet Supply catalogs like Foster & Smith and others.

It's very effective if a crate is not an option. Usually takes once and the dog understands. Then eventually you can unplug it but keep it on the couch.....then after that is successful; pack it up for the next couch cookie :D

[AkirasMom]

Oh wow - I've never heard of such a thing! Thanks so much for the advice. I'll definitely get TWO of those (one for each couch)!