Don’t fancy sharing your couch with your four-legged friend when you’re spending a relaxing evening watching TV? Are scratches and fur damaging the upholstery? If your sofa is off limits for your dog, just give your four-legged friend their own! They can stretch out and relax in comfort on a couch or sofa made especially for dogs and still have everything in view. For your dog, it’s a comfortable place to sleep and for you, it’s a chic, eye-catching piece of furniture that can blend in perfectly with your interior.

There are almost no limits when it comes to how a dog sofa looks: everything is available, from a Baroque-style dog sofa to modern designer furniture. However, the quality a dog sofa or couch has as a piece of furniture for lying down and relaxing are much more important than the external appearance. And, in contrast to a classic dog basket or cushion, a dog sofa has no contact with the floor because it stands on feet, which makes it an excellent place for your dog to relax. As a result, air circulates around the lying surface, which makes for a more pleasant environment for resting. The upholstery of a dog sofa is soft and particularly comfortable for your dog to lie down on, with pressure marks being prevented. Nevertheless, the cushioning keeps its shape enough so that it supports the spine and protects the joints.
Dog sofas and couches are super comfortable to lie on and they come in a wide variety of materials. Head to our online shop to find dog sofas made from faux leather or genuine leather with a wooden frame, rattan or textile materials at reasonable prices.
The surface which your dog lies on can also come in an array of materials:

• Faux leather: this smooth material is pleasantly cool and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth if it becomes dirty. Make sure that the faux leather is waterproof and scratch-resistant. A dog blanket can be used as a base to protect the material.
• Plush or upholstery: make sure that cushion covers are easy to remove and wash when it comes to dog sofas and couches with textile surfaces.
• Foam: just like with a dog mattress, a foam seat makes it particularly pleasant for your dog to lie down.

A great location for a dog sofa is the space where you and your family tend to hang out, but some distance should be kept from your typical walking path. Your dog will then be at the centre of the action, without being constantly disturbed. In addition, the chosen place should be free from draughts.

Your dog should have a place to sleep that matches their size. A Chihuahua would be lost on a sofa for large dogs and a German Shepherd would not be able to stretch out on a dog couch that is too small. It is also important to consider the sofa height: a small dog or pet with joint problems would find it difficult to climb onto a high surface. Discover different-sized models from well-known brands such as Silvio Design, Happy House and MORE FOR on our online shop.

Just like a dog bed, a dog sofa must be cleaned on a regular basis. After all, it becomes a permanent fixture and gets covered in fur, saliva and dirt from paws. You can remove large bits of dirt by vacuuming the couch regularly and it is also recommended to vacuum before washing in order to protect your washing machine. Sofas for dogs come in different designs which means they need to be cleaned differently.
Leather sofas are the most practical in this regard, as the material can be easily wiped down. However, please make sure that the cloth is not soaked with water, otherwise you could damage the material. In addition, you should always carefully dab the dog couch dry. If you opt for a dog sofa with a fabric cover, simply take it off and wash it in the washing machine according to the instructions. If the dog sofa has no removable cover, you should clean it with the upholstery spray that you use for your upholstered furniture. If your dog has fleas or other parasites, you must clean your dog sofa immediately after the infestation.

Whether a dog is allowed to go on the living room sofa or not is up to the owner. Many like it when their four-legged friend can cuddle up to them, whilst others prefer it if their dog stays away from the sofa. If you want your pet to avoid your sofa, you must be consistent in your teaching, as you should when teaching your dog anything.

Sit down on your sofa. As soon as your dog wants to sit next to you, you should say “No!” and ensure they don’t get on the sofa. If they do as they are told, then they get a treat as a reward. You will probably have to keep reminding your pet and sending them away time and again at the start. Remain consistent and persevere. Your four-legged friend will soon understand that the sofa is off limits for them. However, you should offer your dog a cosy alternative in the living room – a place to rest and relax, even their very own sofa. Since dogs are pack animals, your four-legged friend may still try to cuddle up to you on the sofa. After all, they want to be with you and smell your scent. It can help if you put one of your items of clothing on their new dog sofa, such as a T-shirt. This will provide them with a familiar scent, make them feel comfortable and help them to quickly get used to their new spot.

After you have decided on a dog sofa that is right for your four-legged friend and fits well in your living room, you should show them their new spot. You should do this in tandem with telling them that they are not allowed on your own sofa. They can and should retreat and relax there in the future. Place the sofa for your dog in your chosen space and let them have a good sniff around. Put a treat on the dog couch and gush over your four-legged friend when they go to the sofa to retrieve it. As soon as they sit or lie on it, say the command which you will use to tell your dog to go to the sofa in the future, for example, “Go to the sofa!”. Repeat the process several times until your dog has memorised that this is their new spot. A little patience may be required if they are having trouble with this. Stay calm and don’t hold back on the praise and treats. This way, it won’t take long for your dog to understand that this sofa is their new place and to learn to appreciate it.