Dog Trainer's Definitive Rules on Pets on Furniture: Expert Weighs In
The age-old debate among pet owners about whether dogs should be permitted on household furniture, including sofas and beds, has been reignited by a prominent canine behaviourist. Will Atherton, a seasoned expert from Derbyshire with extensive experience addressing behavioural issues such as biting in dogs, has provided a comprehensive perspective that aims to settle the controversy once and for all.
Expert Insights on Furniture Access for Dogs
In a TikTok video from 2025, Atherton addressed the common query he receives from dog owners: "Should your dog be allowed on the furniture?" He emphasised that the decision ultimately rests with the owner, but he outlined specific rules to guide this choice. First and foremost, Atherton urged owners to assess whether their pet exhibits any ongoing attitude problems, which could range from aggression to excessive excitability.
He advised that if a dog is causing significant disruption at home, it might be best to restrict access to furniture. However, for well-behaved dogs, allowing them on sofas or beds is acceptable, provided clear boundaries are established. Atherton stated, "If you don’t have any big behaviour problems with your dog, then I think you can absolutely have them on the furniture if you want them. If you don’t want them on the furniture, that’s completely fine."
Setting Clear Boundaries and Commands
Atherton demonstrated his approach using his own dog, Sully, a large canine who initially waited on the floor. He explained that dogs should not have free access to jump on and off furniture at will. Instead, they should exhibit good manners by sitting, looking to their owner for guidance, and waiting for a command such as "up" before joining them on the settee.
Upon command, Sully leapt up for a cuddle, and Atherton highlighted the importance of equally well-mannered behaviour when getting off. He commanded "off," and Sully promptly returned to the floor. Atherton concluded, "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." He stressed that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, tailoring advice to individual circumstances.
Mixed Reactions from Pet Owners Online
Despite Atherton's attempt to resolve the debate, his video sparked division among viewers. Some disagreed vehemently, with one commenter arguing, "I don't have to ask anyone to have access to my sofa, why should my dog?" Another added, "I am not a control freak," while a third stated, "My dogs are a part of my family, so they can go wherever they want to without asking to go there."
Conversely, many supporters praised Atherton's balanced approach. One user wrote, "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 to 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 echoed this sentiment, noting, "Mine has free access to the furniture but when I tell him to get off, he does."
This ongoing discussion underscores the diverse perspectives in pet ownership, with Atherton's rules offering a structured yet flexible framework for those seeking guidance. As the debate continues, it highlights the importance of personalised training methods that respect both owner preferences and canine well-being.
