Ways to Keep Dogs off of Patio Furniture

The best way to keep dogs off of patio furniture is to train them as puppies not to get on any furniture. Once a dog has been allowed onto furniture, it can be difficult to break them of the habit. It can be especially difficult with patio furniture that's outside where the dog may be left alone. There are tips to train dogs to stay off furniture in the first place.

  1. Train Your Puppy Early

    • Train your puppy to stay off furniture. If your puppy attempts to jump on furniture, gently move it off and onto the ground and give it a treat when the dog is successfully off the furniture. Never leave an untrained puppy alone with furniture until it is trained to stay off. Crate the puppy if you are unable to monitor it and keep it off the furniture.

    Offer a Good Alternative

    • Provide the dog with a dog bed or mat. Offer a nice, comfortable place for the dog to rest in lieu of your patio furniture. Offer the dog its favorite toy, a bone or a toy stuffed with treats on the dog bed to keep him occupied and encourage him to lay on the bed or mat. Place the dog bed in a shady, protected area.

    Use Booby Traps

    • If your dog has already made a habit of getting onto furniture, you may have to booby trap it to keep him off. Turn cushions on the furniture into awkward positions to make it difficult for the dog to get on it. Or drape a spiked plastic chair runner over the furniture with the spikes up. Stretch a piece of light line attached to shaker cans across the front of the furniture. When the dog trips the line, the loud crash of the cans will frighten him off the furniture.

    Use Noise and Smell

    • Let your dog think he's alone in the yard and hide somewhere he can't see you with a loud horn or noisemaker. When the dog attempts to climb on patio furniture, blast the horn and startle him off. Repeat this several times to reinforce the negative consequence of getting onto patio furniture. You can also spray furniture with strong scented lemon or citronella essential oils. Dogs often are deterred by the scent and will stay away.