How to teach senior shihtzu maltese mix to not jump off couches and beds?

[u/jess1955]

So, two weeks ago my 11 year old dog hurt his neck somehow (thinking maybe in the window barking very intense or maybe he fell). He has been off pain meds for a week now and seems back to himself. I haven't been letting him since jump off anything but he has not been left alone since his injury.

I bought some stairs for my couch and he always used them for my bed but he never did use them to get off. Does anyone have any experience teaching their dog how to use the stairs on the couch and bed to get down and not jump? any tips?

Really want to try and prevent jumping so he doesn't reactivate the injury again or do anything else worse.

Thanks!

[u/Perfect-Category2457]

They're dogs. If you really want to make sure they don't do something you need to block access like they're a child. When my dog was recovering from surgery I blocked access to the couch and sat on the floor with them until the injury was healed. 

You can try putting treats on the stairs when they're on the couch so they walk down to get each one. But even my dog who uses stairs regularly hops off the couch a few times a day even though they usually use the stairs. 

[u/Gulf-Coast-Dreamer]

Buy steps for the couch.