Among Friends

[Coastalcarolina]

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@PAlady wrote:

Throw a blanket on the sofa, they are only with you for a short time.  Let them enjoy themselves.

I lost my dog this past June and I would give anything to have her jump on my couch or be laying at my feet.

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Amen to that.

[Gabidog]

If your dog is allowed on your bed I am guessing he is allowed on the sofa while you are home.  Your dog is missing you while you are away and he plops himself on the sofa  to feel next to you.  If you do not want to remove the pillows try spraying the cushions with a pet safe deodorizer.  Then put an article of your clothing in his bed.  You could also try sitting on his bed so your scent is there and not on the sofa due to deodorizing spray.  There are things you can do with your cell phone .  Call home and leave a message so he hears your voice.  Not sure of the age of your dog but if young probably feeling a bit insecure home alone.  But you cannot allow him on the sofa at all even if you are home...he will not understand why he can at some times and not the other.  Trial and error but at least he is not shredding the cushions!

[wilma]

Our dog is allowed on our beds and sofas. I have throws and blankets on furniture that I launder regularly. We also use a lot of lint rollers.

We’ve come home to find throws and pillows moved or on the floor and our dog stretched out on the sofa. I’m a neat freak, but that doesn’t bother me. It’s rather comical. People messes bother me more than animal messes because people should know better.

Both our dogs were adopted from shelters and were neglected or abused so we spoil them. I trained both a few basic commands, but I would never use a shock collar or any fear training.

I don’t use the term “furbaby” but it doesn’t bother me if others do.

[qvc chick]

But can I ask all of you a question -

If you dog sleeps on your sofa, what do you do when company comes over??  

Even a blanket, when removed would throw off dog hair on sofa.

I have had friends come over, and refuse to sit on my sofa.  If they are wearing black, especially, they are covered with dog hair!

So what do you do?????

[Gabidog]

Now I understand.  Basically you don't want a dog.  First is was crushing pillows and now it is fur on the sofa.  There are non shedding breeds so when you no longer have this dog which does not suit your lifestyle  get a poodle or schnauzer!  But beware with a dog you always have issues and you either can deal with it or not.  Maybe your next dog should just be a plush that makes no messes.

[ThinkingOutLoud]

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@Gabidog wrote:

Now I understand.  Basically you don't want a dog.  First is was crushing pillows and now it is fur on the sofa.  There are non shedding breeds so when you no longer have this dog which does not suit your lifestyle  get a poodle or schnauzer!  But beware with a dog you always have issues and you either can deal with it or not.  Maybe your next dog should just be a plush that makes no messes.

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There are people who want dogs/cats and have them and don't have issues. They live outside where they are free to use their instincts, run, chase, etc. and aren't cooped up. Ya know, act like the animals they were created to be. Win-win for everyone.

[Mersha]

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@qvc chick wrote:

But can I ask all of you a question -

If you dog sleeps on your sofa, what do you do when company comes over??  

Even a blanket, when removed would throw off dog hair on sofa.

I have had friends come over, and refuse to sit on my sofa.  If they are wearing black, especially, they are covered with dog hair!

So what do you do?????

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@qvc chick When company is over, use a lint roller, brush or vacuum on the sofa.  If there is dog hair on the sofa, it is most likely all over your house as well as most dogs tend to shed.

If your guests still refuse to sit on the couch, let them sit on a kitchen chair or something else.  If that does not work, don't have them over.  After all, your house is your dog's house also.

Yes, there are dogs that do not shed so that may be option for you also.  My Portie does not shed and is hypoallergenic.  You have to be careful to keep them groomed with shorter hair or they mat like crazy.

My Chocolate Lab only sheds twice a year...the first 6 months and the last 6 months.

[Coastalcarolina]

To the OP, is this your first indoor pet?  I am asking because some people do not give the investment of a dog or cat living in their home enough forethought.  

There will be hair, things possibly gnawed on, scratched and possibly ruined.  If having a pristine environment is what a person wants, maybe an indoor pet isn't a good fit.  There are other things that may happen that aren't the most pleasing.  They have bodily functions that they cannot always control.  They may have an upset tummy.  Diarrhea, vomiting, hair balls.  If someone has a sensitive stomach to these things, better think twice.

In the end, they love us so much, depend on us so much also.  But they are worth it.  A beautiful home is wonderful.  But it is terribly lonely when they are gone.  Carpets, furniture and such can be replaced.  But they cannot.

Give your pup some grace.  They are acting like family because you chose to bring them in.  

[Mersha]

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@ThinkingOutLoud wrote:

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@Gabidog wrote:

Now I understand.  Basically you don't want a dog.  First is was crushing pillows and now it is fur on the sofa.  There are non shedding breeds so when you no longer have this dog which does not suit your lifestyle  get a poodle or schnauzer!  But beware with a dog you always have issues and you either can deal with it or not.  Maybe your next dog should just be a plush that makes no messes.

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There are people who want dogs/cats and have them and don't have issues. They live outside where they are free to use their instincts, run, chase, etc. and aren't cooped up. Ya know, act like the animals they were created to be. Win-win for everyone.

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@ThinkingOutLoud  You surely realize that MOST dogs and cats are house pets and not meant to be in the "wild" using their instincts.

In many areas of the country you are not allowed to let dogs run freely in neighborhoods.  They must be accompanied by the owner and on a leash or animal control will pick them up.  If that happens enough, your pet will be taken away.

[luvzchiz]

@threecees   Beautiful pups!  I'd let them sit/sleep wherever they wanted.  Woofs.