Dog inside on couch, Footscray

I am not an animal lover and bit scared of dogs so do not give much attention to our dog, but husband and kids adore him. he is 5 years old broodle (poodle crossed with border collie) and such a great manner, and at first i would not let him inside the house, but now i don't mind, he is cute and i am happy for him to stay inside but NOT on the couch or the rug. Was going to buy a dog cushion so he knows where he is allowed in the house, how do we train him to always sit there when indoors. we leave the back door open so he can come and go when he pleases, but lately i have found him on the couch which i hate, so i make him go outside. All he wants is to be around PEOPLE and he adores my husband, follows him everywhere, but i am left alone with him alot and i don't fuss over him or cuddle or play with him, everyone else does, but i just can't. But i am happy for him to be inside as long as he learns his place. Please help??
Posted: 03/03/2008

REPLY: Dog inside on couch, Footscray (VIC)
Like all humans, I suspect that all family members have their 'own' place or chair when they watch television, eat etc. We are creatures of habit - same with a dog, so supplying him (in the room where you are) with a mat / rug will make him get on it. Move the mat to the areas where you want him to be. The dogs sits on the sofa, as 1) is the highest spot 2) is the one where his master sits 3) he can look down on anything 'below' him. The dog wants to lead - and the place of the leader is high up. I recommend a rug or bed in the area where you want him to be, and make it enticing for him to stay there. Make getting on sofa hard, by putting something on it to stop him from getting on. Confinement at night would also be a good thing. If all persists, I recommend you seek help and I am a call away and happy to visit you.
Posted: 03/03/2008