Should You Allow Your Dog To Jump On Furniture?

If you're like many other pet owners, you've let your dog leap on and off your sofa at least once or twice, if not daily. But is it safe? The answer depends on who you ask. Some people will spend their entire pet-owning lives allowing their pups to jump down from furniture without a single emergency trip to the vet. Others have had to pay hundreds to have their pup treated after a couch jumping-related injury. According to experts, though, even if your pup has been lucky so far, its best prevent Fido from hopping on furniture. 

This is mostly due to the risk of shoulder and back injuries. Dr. Judy Morgan, a retired holistic veterinarian, is one doctor who would discourage this jumping behavior. She said a dog's shoulders or neck could become jammed as the result of jumping down from a chair, "particularly on hardwood or tile floors where the landing is slippery" (via The Pet Professional Guild). She added that if a dog already has intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), their condition could worsen after jumping down from furniture. The Silver Woof echoed the warning about jumping, stating that repetitive movement could lead to painful joint problems in senior dogs.

Will every dog eventually sustain an injury after constantly hopping down from a sofa? No. Can Geronimo-ing down from a high canopy bed pose a safety risk to every dog? Yes. If you're concerned about your pet accidentally injuring themselves, there are routes you can take to reduce or eliminate the risk.

You might be reading this as someone who's allowed your dog on your couches for years without incident. The good news is you don't necessarily have to make your sofa off-limits to your canine friend. Make it safer for them to dismount by adding a ramp or pet stairs, like EHEYCIGA Pet Steps to the side of the furniture.

If you're leaning more toward training your dog to stay closer to the ground, there are plenty of sofa dog bed options to choose from. These are made to look like full-sized couches, complete with back support and legs. Most have cushions that sit higher off the ground than a standard dog bed. Your dog may like their new bed so much that they'll lose interest in the "people sofa."

If you prefer the ramps and steps option, you can find pet stairs and ramps for all ages, sizes, and abilities. But keep in mind that training will likely be required. Use positive reinforcement tactics, like treats and praise, if necessary. If you have hard floors, add an extra layer of protection by placing a rug on the floor where your dog typically jumps. This will provide better traction for their paws and reduce the risk of slipping, should they decide not to use the ramp or steps one day.