Comments on: How I Prevent My Dachshunds From Jumping Off the Couch

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 01:45:51 +0000

In reply to Mikey B. Eh, I like our setup. It works for us. But to each their own. Besides, they would likely use the tiny sliver in between the ramps if I gave them the opportunity. Ha, ha.

By: Mikey B

Mikey B — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 23:34:17 +0000

How about only using gates on the sides of your couch and then using multiple ramps along the entire area that you want access to (like across the entire front of your couch) and leave just a bit of space between the ramps so that you can step between them to get to and from your couch. That way, you can always use your couch and your dachshunds will always be safe! It might actually be super nice because when you’re sitting on your couch, you can always put your legs up on the ramps like an ottoman (so they turn your couch into a lounger (like a La-Z-Boy!))!
I did a lot of experimenting and I found that my dachshund won’t jump down between her stairs… She will use her steps as long as they are close enough to her desired path that she doesn’t have to go out of her way to use them. Ha! 🙂
…
The other great solution I’ve found are floor couches (like Moroccan-Style couches). Not all couches are high up! Searching online for things like “Floor Couches” or “Moroccan Style Couches” shows a lot of great options that remove the need for ramps / stairs altogether! ..Using a twin mattress on the floor with cushions / pillows along the back (up against the wall (or bed) that it’s positioned up against) is another way to gain this extra low seating (repurposing a twin mattress or even using an air mattress can achieve this with minimal expense!) ..Opting for low furniture also makes rooms feel bigger and taller!

By: Mikey B

Mikey B — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 02:00:17 +0000

I’m fully committed to a low furniture lifestyle for my Dachshund! In my studio, I have a low profile (6 inch) bed frame from Amazon with a mattress that’s not too thick and stairs all the way along both sides (with little gaps between for me to step through) with a super-low, backless “couch” on front of bed that’s really just a comfy cushion that’s about 10 / 11 inches tall (like a Moroccan style couch *which are a great option because they’re so low*) and that acts as a step down from the entire front of the bed (: she will step on the pillows leaning up on foot of bed and they turn into little ramps 🙂 .. It’s surprisingly comfortable! And I never worry because whichever direction she’s going, there is a gentle path down for her to take.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 21:38:23 +0000

In reply to Alice. I've seen several people installing toddler bed rails to help protect their Dachshunds lately. It sounds like you're using something similar. I'm glad it's working for you.

By: Alice

Alice — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:46:41 +0000

I am still figuring out my bed, but for now I have a baby bed rail so he can’t jump off. I found one that you can flip down when not in use. Not convenient for me, but better on my bank account than his back injuries.

By: Jessica Rhae

Jessica Rhae — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 22:54:05 +0000

In reply to Lise. Hi Lise. I prefer ramps to stairs because 1) it's less likely a Dachshund could mis-step and fall 2) ramps put less impact on the shoulders and spine and 3) ramps allow for the dogs natural stride length, whereas they may have to shorten or lengthen their natural stride to reach a step. With that being said, our rehab vet said stairs are ok in most cases as long as a Dachshund can't trip or fall (this twisting their spine and causing injury).

By: Lise

Lise — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 17:25:14 +0000

We have ramps to the couch and the bed (of course!) but I’ve heard conflicting opinions about stairs. We have a very healthy, athletic and sturdy, standard 3 year old wirehaired and she has done our steps since she was a pup. Sometimes we carry her up when we go to bed, but otherwise she uses them. Usually only twice a day – down in the morning and up in the evening – maybe another time when we prepare for the day.
Should we discourage this? I’d like your opinion since you’ve had to deal with a back issue.

By: Eric Thorsteinson

Eric Thorsteinson — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 16:41:35 +0000

Very cute story! We can relate! We have two black and tan Dachshunds and we have gone above and beyond to make our house more Dachshund friendly for them. They are our kids because our two boys are grown and both in the military now. We bought 2 ramps from a place in CA that work very well for our bed and our one couch. We still need to get something for the downstairs couch very soon too!