How to Keep My Small Dogs From Getting on My Patio Furniture

When dogs see you sitting comfortably on a patio chair, they naturally assume they should be able to sit there, too. However, you might not want their hair all over your furniture--and you might need that furniture for guests. Keeping small dogs off patio furniture isn't difficult, but it may take a few days or weeks of consistent training for your dogs to change their habits.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toys and treats
  • Dog bed
  • Spray bottle with water
  • Scat Mat (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your dogs a space of their own, such as a bed or mat, as an alternative to the furniture. Whenever they are out on the patio with you, encourage them to go to this space. Fill the space with things they enjoy, such as favorite toys.

    • 2

      Reward the dogs for spending time in this space. Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement. When they have stayed calmly in this space for ten or twenty minutes, toss them some treats and praise them verbally. You can even hide treats in the bed, or give them a chew toy with peanut butter stuffed in it to occupy them.

    • 3

      Make all of the patio furniture uninviting to your dogs. When you're not sitting on it, cover the furniture with books, garden tools, or other things with hard surfaces or uncomfortable edges. The dogs will be so uncomfortable on the furniture that they will be forced to look elsewhere for a place to sit, whether or not you're on the patio.

    • 4

      Use the command "Off" when your dogs get up on the patio furniture while you're on the patio. Speak the command immediately and forcefully. If they don't pay attention, or look at you challengingly, get up and physically remove them. Bring them to their own place and have them lie down there.

    • 5

      Use a squirt bottle or some other remote training device if your dogs persist on getting on the furniture. One such option is the Scat Mat, a touch-sensitive training pad that emits a small static shock when the dog jumps on it. The shock won't hurt the dog, but it should be uncomfortable enough to deter it from the furniture.