How to keep dogs off furniture when you're not home?

Keeping dogs off furniture when you're away can be achieved through various training and deterrent methods. Some users have found success with noise deterrents, while others emphasize the importance of consistency and clear communication with the dog. It's important to consider that what works for one dog may not work for another, so a combination of methods may be necessary. Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where the dog understands and respects the boundaries set by the owner, even in their absence.

What our forum users are saying:

• One user suggests using a cushion with a battery-powered alarm that emits a loud noise when সামান্য weight is applied. They found that the mere sight of the cushion was enough to deter their dogs from getting on the furniture.
  • "The only effective thing I ever found was one of those cushions with a battery powered alarm. Put a tiny bit of weight on it and it made a very loud noise. After it went off once or twice we did not even need to turn it on. The mere site of it on the furniture kept them off." -- Colbyt, DIYChatroom
• Another user recommends an aerosol deterrent that releases a hissing sound. They note that it's more effective if the dog doesn't see you making the noise, so they don't associate the deterrent with your presence.
  • "They also make an aerosol deterrent that makes a loud "pssssh" hissing sound when you spray it. I have used it to train my cat to not jump up on certain surfaces. You don't need to spray the animal or even be close to them for the sound to be a deterrent. Important to note, it is [B]more [/B]effective if they don't see you make the loud noise. Some animals can and will figure out that if you're not around to make the noise, they can get away with whatever they want." -- Jüska, DIYChatroom
• A user shared their experience using empty soda cans with coins inside to create a loud noise when the dog approached the furniture. They also emphasized the importance of using a firm tone of voice when saying "no" to establish yourself as the pack leader.
  • "I had a borzoi (2nd largest breed-the gentle giant) and I used empty soda can with some coins in it, and strong tape on the opening. You could put many on furniture. I did raise my voice/tone and said "NO" loudly when I saw my dog near the couch, etc. You are Telling your dog Not Allowed to do this. You are also saying you are the pack leader. Wasn't long when my dog saw the cans she would just walk away. After about one month, I was able to remove the cans and my dog would stay off and never go on areas I didn't want my dog to go on." -- Taras2, DIYChatroom
• Another user uses a similar method with a coffee can filled with pennies, shaking it and yelling "No" to scare the dogs away from the furniture. They also noted that the dogs learn to associate the can with things they're not supposed to do.
  • "Put a small handful of pennies in a coffee can and firmly yell “No” as you shake the can, making a loud noise... This scares them! They won’t go near the can...They associate the can with things they’re not suppose to do...For instance they won’t go near the floor plant in the DR with the coffee can sitting next to it." -- Two Knots, DIYChatroom, Two Knots, DIYChatroom
• Consistency is key, according to one user, who shares that their daughter's dog quickly learned to differentiate between houses where he was allowed on the furniture and where he wasn't.
  • "Dogs respond to consistency - my daughter's dog is allowed on the furniture at her mom's house but not mine. Only took about a week for him to understand and he doesn't even bother at my house any more." -- stick]shift, DIYChatroom