Hi all,

Any suggestions on how to stop a puppy jumping up on the sofa.  At home he is allowed on our sofa but when we visit friends (although we can't at the moment) we don't want him to jump up then as we don't know how everyone else feels about it.  Is this too confusing for a puppy (he is a 4 month cocker) and should we have one rules to suit all?

Thanks for the advice!

Personally, I feel you are giving him mixed messages. Ours stay on the floor, that way we avoid embarrassment with family or in the pub. He’s not going to know the difference between an ok sofa and a no-no sofa. Additionally, I’d be concerned with his joints and what the jumping on and off was doing to them. Sit on the floor with him, reward for quietly sitting beside you (whether you are up or down) and take him out of the room if he jumps up by himself. Reward if he doesn’t jump up when you return.