Mary Allen
Is it about dominance and autonomy when the dog stretches out on the sofa? Or is it just about snoozing in a particularly cozy place? Many dog owners are unsure.
Unfortunately, the subject of the sofa is approached very emotionally,” says dog trainer Alain Scheidegger. The former police officer and police dog handler from Basel would like to see things relaxed on this point. «For many dog owners, the sofa has become a question of philosophy of life. Dog owners shouldn’t take the matter too seriously.” Because there is no general answer to the soul-cracking sofa question. «Dogs are individuals and everyone is different. We shouldn’t think in pigeonholes, but deal with each individual dog individually,” says Scheidegger.
Despite all the individuality, the reason why four-legged friends love the sofa is simple: it’s comfortable! If the dog and owner cuddle together on the couch, this is good for the relationship. “Cuddles together on the sofa has a very positive influence on the bond with the dog. At the end of the day, for example, I can only recommend it.»
The Basic Principle of Hierarchy
Scheidegger is convinced that the dog will also appreciate the close togetherness. The theory of sole rulership from the sofa throne thus seems to be invalid: “It’s an old wives’ tale. A dog that’s allowed on the sofa doesn’t show more dominance than before,” says the dog trainer.
However, there are specific rules to be followed. The four-legged friends do not think very much of the democratic way of life of (Western European) people. “Dogs feel more comfortable with concrete rules in their lives. That gives them security,” says Scheidegger. It is therefore important not to lose sight of the basic principle of hierarchy. Then many a four-legged friend learns the so-called everyday skills in living together with his owner all by himself. “If living together works, it often works with these dogs without any rules.”
Then it’s no problem if the four-legged friend disregards the taboo and takes a nap on the sofa in the absence of his master – as long as he slides back to the floor when footsteps are heard. “Then the dog has understood the rule,” says Scheidegger. Owners don’t even need to worry about whether the four-legged friend will jump onto other people’s seat pads due to the sofa privilege. “In my experience, dogs are very good at distinguishing between rules that apply at home and guidelines that exist elsewhere.”
Granting of a Privilege
Nevertheless, owners should not allow their four-legged friends to jump onto the couch without hesitation. “In principle, dogs are allowed to do everything, but please get their owner’s permission first.” The dog coach recommends the following approach: “Being allowed on the sofa should be a privilege that only the owner gives the dog.”
In the first few weeks in the new home, when the dog usually cannot climb anyway without the help of its owner, the sofa should not be allowed. This is how the puppy learns that the couch is not an option for him. Later, the golden rule applies: Only with permission on the sofa.
However, this does not work smoothly in every household. “There are dogs that just can’t deal with this kind of privilege,” explains Scheidegger. Then the four-legged friend tries to defend the newly acquired resource sofa. “Of course, the dog can try it, there’s nothing bad about it at first. In principle, however, the holder must be able to decide how this resource may be managed.” The dog owner must always make it clear to the four-legged friend that he has to deal properly with the privilege of the sofa.
An absolute taboo for every dog owner is the “sofa defense” of the four-legged friend against humans. If the dog does not want to share the bed or if it even attacks the human, it must get off the bed immediately. “Otherwise the whole thing will definitely get out of hand,” says the dog trainer.
This is the case, for example, when the growling dog no longer lets the dog owner’s partner or guests onto the sofa. The hierarchy in the house is long gone: “In such cases, the sofa is just the tip of the iceberg.” In this dog-human relationship, there would be fundamental problems in the allocation of roles. Alain Scheidegger advises those affected not to jump on the couch until further notice and to seek professional help. Even this dog-human relationship can continue to benefit from cuddling together. «Instead of the sofa, you can snuggle up with the dog on the floor.»