couch surfer

[dogatemykarma]

Somebody let Max be a couch potato in his previous home(s). When I'm sleeping or out of the house, and forget to put something like cardboard over the couch, I catch him sleeping there (little monkey!).

This morning I woke up and snuck into the living room and caught him red-handed! He was half-asleep, so I made him aware of my displeasure (max, off!) and directed him to his bed, where I praised and reassured him for making the right choice. It seems to me this is the best/only real approach in terms of helping him see the right way, and will take some reinforcement (he's very eager to please, and very smart, and at times stubborn). Feedback?

max--2yr old rescue rottie

[Shaw_2112]

Have you thought about using a crate? Harley has gotten so used to sleeping in her crate that I don't even have to lock it any more. That's her "space".

[dogatemykarma]

I have considered it. However, when I have the cardboard on the couch, he sleeps almost exclusively on his mat. He's only been with me 4 days, and has already developed enough confidence to not have to sleep at my bedroom door. He really has no other indoor issues. I think 'catching' him a few times is the way. He's a good 120lbs rottie/mastiff, so a crate would be a little prohibitive.

[Denise L.]

Originally Posted by dogatemykarma

I have considered it. However, when I have the cardboard on the couch, he sleeps almost exclusively on his mat. He's only been with me 4 days, and has already developed enough confidence to not have to sleep at my bedroom door. He really has no other indoor issues. I think 'catching' him a few times is the way. He's a good 120lbs rottie/mastiff, so a crate would be a little prohibitive.

If you have only had him 4 days it may take a bit more time.

My rescue, Cyrus, did the same thing for a few days when he came to live with me. I laugh now because I was hoarse from "off" a gazillion times!

It took a good week to get him to stop completely. And even now I catch him from time to time...but I don't have to say "off" anymore. He sees me and falls over himself getting off!

At night he sleeps on the floor beside my bed - did from the first.

[Luvs]

If you have only had him for 4 days then I definately think it will take a little longer for him to get it. In the meantime I would definately crate him when you can't watch him. Our male is 110 pounds and 27" and he has a crate that has plenty of room for him to stand up and turn around. In fact both him and his sister get in there together sometimes. They make crates big enough for all sizes. You really don't want to let him get on the furniture, especially since you two are just beginning to develop a relationship. Mine are not allowed on the furniture and to make sure they don't get on when I am gone, they are crated.

Crates are such WONDERFUL tools!

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by dogatemykarma

He's a good 120lbs rottie/mastiff....

You have a big dog that you've had for only a short period of time.

A crate is a very good idea because it's a way for you to start establishing and reinforcing that it's your house, your rules, your way.

[SABELLESMOM]

After only 4 days, give him a chance to learn. For the first time in my life I'm going to say (and I'm a big crate fan) he seems willing enough to learn so far. So let him learn. He doesn't mind using his bed. AND he'll need to learn to stay off the couch anyway. The crate prevents him from sleeping on the couch because he has no choice. I'd skip the crate and opt for teaching him instead.

[Ilovemypuppy]

You have only had him a few days and it sounds like he is trying, so I would just stay with the training. I use crates here, BUT not for sleeping in...I just don't think the confines of a crate make for a good night's sleep, unless the crate is huge and I mean big enough for the dog to stretch out completely, not having to sleep with bent legs all night.

We actually have a couch FOR the dogs and that's the only one they lay on.
Enjoy your new boy

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by SABELLESMOM

I'd skip the crate and opt for teaching him instead.

It's highly beneficial to have a crate trained dog--very useful skill for a dog to have.

My mother and my SO's mom are frail, elderly women. Our two girls--and our M foster--are too much dog for them, despite the fact the dogs have wonderful manners. Plus, my SO's mom lives in a just-so house--little, dainty tables on which fragile china sit. It's great to have dogs who settle willingly and happily in their crates when we visit.

Plus, if your dog needs to stay at the vet for any length of time, it's helpful to have the dog used to the confines of a crate.

[dogatemykarma]

Originally Posted by SABELLESMOM

After only 4 days, give him a chance to learn. For the first time in my life I'm going to say (and I'm a big crate fan) he seems willing enough to learn so far. So let him learn. He doesn't mind using his bed. AND he'll need to learn to stay off the couch anyway. The crate prevents him from sleeping on the couch because he has no choice. I'd skip the crate and opt for teaching him instead.

I fully agree, SABELLESMOM. As useful as crate training might be, he's starting to feel confident and trusting in his new home, after being surrendered/fostered. He's really good at obeying, so really it's just correcting someone else's lax training. As I said, he got over his whining/bedroom door clinging in a couple of nights. But I appreciate all the input, it's all useful! Thanks

[tugger5000]

Another benefit of crate training is for when he has to visit the vet's office. If he has to stay for any length of time, he'll be familiar with being in a kennel and it won't be that big of deal...

[dogatemykarma]

Is this something i can do periodically? Now that he's used to having space, will it feel like punishment? He's already been in the kennel at the SPCA for MONTHS. I think he's familiar with it?

[Denise L.]

Originally Posted by dogatemykarma

Is this something i can do periodically? Now that he's used to having space, will it feel like punishment? He's already been in the kennel at the SPCA for MONTHS. I think he's familiar with it?

Hi! When I got my rescue, Cyrus, I let him have free access to the house as long as I was home, including at night when sleeping. But I always crate him when I am out. He actually likes his crate. He knows by our routine which mornings he isn't coming to work with me and just "goes to his house" on his own when he senses I am about to leave. He has his kong stuffed with goodies or a nice frozen marrow bone, a bowl of water and a safe toy. I turn on Animal Planet (HIS TV is the only one with cable!) and he is quite content.

I think the crate is great! And so does my boy!

[Ocean]

My dogs had no problem with their crates, but I did becuse two extra-large crates take up SO much room; unless you have a really big house with an extra room to devote to them, it's a real problem. I used the crates as a training tool until I was sure I could trust them alone (no chewing, peeing, etc.). Next they earned the right to sleep beside my bed on the rug. I have no doubt they would go easily back to the crates if need be, but I have to agree that they are not confortable in them overnight, as Sky sleeps stretched out and is over 6 feet long when he does so! He is very uncomfortable in the extra-large "great dane" crate, he turned and shifted and sighed all night. Not the best situation for him. Both dogs have those big round pillow beds, fleece on one side and canvas on the other (Costco, $17.49 and big enough for a Rott, can't beat it!).

[jasper's_mommy]

I think that even the most well trained dog sometimes can't help but sneak a little nap on the couch. I have no idea what it is, but dogs LOVE the couch. They know it's wrong, they just can't help it!!! My older mutt, who definitely knows by now that the couch is a no-no, is getting senile and will sometimes stand in front of the couch, looking at me, then the couch, the me. And then ooooops, he's on the couch. I think he is learning to blame everything on his senility. "You wouldn't yell at an old man, would ya?"