How to Keep Dogs From Using the Bathroom on the Furniture

One of the biggest issues when having a dog is potty training them. Without basic rules, dogs can take over your house and destroy every piece of furniture you've ever owned. Dogs create a habit of selecting specific furniture or spots in your house where they constantly relieve themselves and take up as a personal bathroom. Though it can sometimes be exhausting to educate a dog, teaching him not to evacuate on the furniture mustn't be done by hitting or screaming. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

Things You'll Need

  • Odor neutralizing spray
  • Spray repellent
  • Sponge
  • Whistle or toy
  • Plastic bottle
  • Coins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use an odor-neutralizing spray and a sponge to scrub all the furniture in your house. You must eliminate any residual odors of urine or feces. Dogs pee to mark territory and if the smell is not properly removed, they will evacuate on the same spot over and over again.

    • 2

      Forbid your dog from climbing onto any furniture without your permission. Issue a strong command by saying "NO" with a deep and serious voice, making sure to look your dog straight in the eye as you train him. This will make him understand that you are not afraid of him and he must always respect you.

    • 3

      Raise the palm of your hand if your dog fails to obey a voice command. This allows you to block her from jumping on the furniture and make her understand the seriousness of the situation through your body language. Repeat this process until your dog bows down and comprehends the order.

    • 4

      Gently tap the furniture when you want your dog to come up. Choose a positive command, such as "come" or "up," to make your dog understand that he has earned permission to climb on the furniture.

    • 5

      Place a few coins in a plastic bottle. Rattle it strongly next to your dog's ear immediately after she relieves herself on any furniture so that she will associate the scary and loud sound with peeing or pooping on the furniture. This must be done immediately after she does something bad, otherwise she will not make the association and you will scare your dog unnecessarily.

    • 6

      Organize a daily schedule for walking your dog. Make sure its about 20 minutes after he eats, since this is more or less the time your dog will take to feel the need to evacuate. Regular walking will increase the likeliness of your dog relieving himself outside.

    • 7

      Make sure to walk your dog for at least half an hour every day. It is very important for your dog to release as much energy as possible, since this will make her more calm and easier to deal with when training.