Dog trainer settles debate on whether you should let your dog on the sofa

A dog trainer has revealed whether or not you should let your four-legged friend on the sofa. Many pet owners love a cuddle on the sofa with their dogs. However, it can come with a few risks, especially when your dog is in the process of being trained.

Fortunately, dog trainer Shannon Viljasoo, at McCann Dogs, has provided an answer to the commonly asked question, and revealed exactly what dog owners should do in the situation.

Shannon Viljasoo wrote: "In reality, whether you allow your dog up on furniture should depend on their current level of understanding when it comes to the rules of the household and your own personal desires.

"No two dogs should have the same rules. Rather, each dog should be assessed individually and rules be applied based on the needs of that relationship."

Shannon divided the situation into two categories: an average, well-behaved dog and a young dog in training. She added: "If you have a well-mannered dog with no behaviour problems and you're happy with their level of obedience training, there's really no reason not to allow them on your furniture."

Your decision can then be based on whether or not you care about any potential mess that can be left on your sofa. However, such privileges should be "revoked immediately" if you ask your dog to move and they express any reluctance in the form of aggression.

For those who have dogs that are not a "perfectly obedient family member yet", it is recommended to set boundaries that will help them to look to you for information and guidance.

Shannon suggests allowing your dog on the sofa on an invitation-only basis.

She added: "I always insist on invitation only in my house. That stemmed from a need to manage a multi-dog household. In order to ensure my dogs don't compete with one-another for positions of status, they are only allowed on the furniture by invite."

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not you want to allow your dog on the sofa is up to you, you should just ensure that it is done in the right circumstances.