What Do I Do to Keep My Puppy From Going Near My Recliner?

Puppies will often find security where their owners are most relaxed. If your puppy has decided your favorite relaxation spot is a good place to do its outdoor business, you are certainly not going to be relaxed anymore. Even if the offense has occurred a few times, all is not lost. There are things you can do. Understanding a little about your growing puppy's psychology will help you put a stop to this and save your recliner.

  1. Keep Spaces Separate

    • Puppies shouldn't have free run of the house, especially when they are being housebroken. Make sure that your puppy has its own area. You can have a few shared spaces, but don't include your recliner in the shared spaces. As tempting it is to let your puppy lay all over you as you relax, don't. You'll be sending a message to the dog that this space is shared, which the puppy will quickly interpret as its space alone.

    No Toys

    • Growing puppies are constantly trying to figure out their developing senses and body responses. Impulse control is improving, but controlling the impulse to urinate where they stand is often a work in progress. To stop your puppy from going near your recliner, make sure that none of its toys and chew items are near your recliner. Never play with the puppy near your recliner. Toys and excitement can stir your puppy up, leading to accidents. Try to play outside or in a designated area. Keep its toys in a box or its bed crate.

    Territorial

    • Dogs are extremely territorial, and growing puppies are no exception. They all have the urge to mark things as their own with their urine. A male puppy will be particularly prone to lift its leg and mark an area. Keep your recliner safe by being verbally assertive whenever you see the puppy come near and sniffing around. A loud "No!" or breathy huff will show dominance over the dog. With repetition, your dominant status will become clear. The dog will be more submissive in your designated areas, saving your recliner.

    Furniture Position

    • After a few good corrections, a puppy quickly figures out which behaviors are bad. Going on the floor is usually at the top of the list. While it seems they comprehend this, it doesn't mean that they won't do it anyway. Some puppies are especially good at hiding their deeds. If your recliner is in a position against a wall, in a corner or allows a nice hiding place behind it, your puppy may not be able to resist it. If at all possible, move your recliner away from such spots until your puppy is better housebroken.

    Stubborn Puppy

    • For the puppy that does not seem to respond to any other method, you can consider using sprays or deterrents to keep your recliner safe. You can make homemade repellent by mixing a spray bottle of water with small amounts of cayenne pepper or vinegar. Make sure that you never spray directly at the puppy's face. Check with your local pet store for other products that you won't be able to smell but are offensive enough to the puppy that it will stay away.