Dog trainer settles debate on allowing your pet to rest on the sofa

A dog trainer has finally settled the debate whether one should allow their pets to rest on the sofa or not. Will Atherton, known on social media as @iamwillatherton, shared his views on whether your pet should sit with us on an evening or stick to their own spaces, like dog beds or crates.

According to the social media user, there are some “rules” owners should follow. However, the trainer believes that the decision eventually comes down to the owner, but he claimed that there is still a “right” and “wrong” way to go about it. In a video shared on TikTok, Mr Atherton explained: “For me, it’s completely up to you. I have a few little rules about it.

“If you don’t have any big behaviour problems with your dog then I think you can have them on the furniture if you want them. If you don’t want them on the furniture that’s completely fine.

“But if they are going to go on the furniture, my thought is they shouldn’t be allowed to have free access to jump up and off whenever they want.”

The expert advises your dog should exhibit patience and wait for an invitation before hopping onto the sofa, and when commanded to get ‘off’, they should do so immediately, reports Bristol Live. 

He further explained: “If you can do that and you don’t have any problems with your dog elsewhere, and you want them to come and have a cuddle on the sofa, then do so.”

One user commented on his post: “My boys love being on the couch and I love having a snuggle with them on the couch but they know when I say they need too get off they do! And same for coming up!

“It’s so refreshing to hear a trainer who doesn’t want to just limit a dog’s life and surroundings and doesn’t guilt owners for wanting to share the space.”

Another user wrote: “Ours are allowed anywhere they want; sofa, chair, bed. I want them up with me.”

A third user expressed: “I think cuddling with a dog on the couch is perfectly fine, the only rule I’d have is no destructive behaviour to the furniture but that can be avoided by letting them have a toy to chew, right?”