Disclaimer:

Some language used in this post may be unsuitable for overly sensitive readers.  Please take NO offense! 🙂

Deciding whether or not to allow Fido on the furniture?  If so, you should take a few things into consideration. Most people will say “I really don’t mind if my puppy is on the furniture” when I ask. Usually they are only considering 2 things: 1) I don’t mind sharing my space (or beloved leather couch) with my puppy, and 2) I don’t mind the dog hair (or my dog doesn’t shed).

There are other important things to consider, that could affect the rest of your life with your beloved pooch.  I think it is important to look at the age and overall behavior of the dog.  If Fido is allowed on the furniture as a puppy, then, from a very young age you could be sending the message that he can have the same privileges as you, (or, as some would say, that he is your equal!).  Dogs often go through behavioral changes as they mature and some need stricter rules than others.

For example, my last 2 German shepherds were a little on the dominant side. I was quite strict with them because I needed them to always know that I was in charge.  I did not allow those dogs to set foot on beds or furniture until they were about 2 years old.  It was important that they knew the rules, knew that they were dogs (yes, I said it – DOGS!), and that I was their leader.  They needed to respect that I had privileges that they did not.

When I started to allow them up on the bed only (yes, they can tell the difference between the bed and other furniture), I   made them earn it (sit & look).  Then I invited them up.  Both were tentative at first because I was asking them to do something that had previously not been allowed.  It took a little coaxing, but they nervously jumped up and I praised them.  Then I commanded them to get off – ZOOM – they immediately jumped off without wasting a second!  They got it.  It WAS a privilege and they knew it.  I never had any issues with bad behavior and the furniture, and they never lost that privilege.

And then there was…RONAN…my adorably cute, spoiled rotten little Border Collie! Because he is softer in nature, happy all the time, and generally non-challenging, he has been allowed on the furniture for most of his life.  Yes I can command him off.  No he is not fresh when people sit next to him and pet him.  As I like to say, he is NOT a jerk (yes, I said it – JERK!).  In my opinion, when dogs show poor behavior – freshness, aggression, not listening, trying to be in charge (can we just call it JERKY behavior without offending anyone???), then they should not have the furniture privilege – at least not until the bad behavior has been curbed!

Ronan was allowed privileges at a much earlier age than Elsa or Shasta. Dogs are individuals with their own personalities and behaviors, and should be treated that way. It’s not mean, it’s just that some dogs require more structure and rules in order to maintain good behavior. I have no doubt that if I allowed my Elsa and Shasta on the furniture as puppies, and if I spoiled them like Ronan they wouldn’t have turned out to be such wonderful dogs and companions.

We all love the idea of bringing home a dog who will fit into our lives effortlessly.  Unfortunately, that is often not the case.  Many need a little extra help & structure.  But that doesn’t mean we love them any less!  It means that we love them so much that we will help them to become the best they can be!

I generally don’t mind dogs on the furniture (after all, Ronan is asleep on the chair now!). I just want dogs to show decent behavior that we can live with (wait… isn’t that the definition of not being a JERK???).

Hope you had a few laughs!

Hugs to the pooches!

Stacie & Ronan