Behr is a golden retriever and Australian shepherd mix in Washington who shares his home with a cat named Jax. Lately Behr has been studying his feline roommate closely, and he has reached a conclusion: the top of the couch backrest is prime real estate. His owner posted the evidence on Instagram (@behr.necessities_pnw) on September 24. (DogTime picked it up.)
The clip shows Behr grinning on the sofa cushions, then climbing up to perch exactly where the cat perches. His owner’s caption reads, “I swear he’s going to be jumping on the counters next.” Commenters supplied the obvious verdict: if I fits, I sits.
It plays as comedy, and mostly it is. Dogs pick up habits from the animals they live with, and a dog who watches a cat take the high ground will sometimes try the same move.
What this means for your dog
When your dog starts copying the cat, check what the cat is getting away with. Behaviors that pay off (a warm spot, a window view, attention from you) tend to stick around, so if you would rather not have a dog on the counters or the back of the couch, train the spot you do want them in, like a bed or a mat by the window. Our guide to adding distractions in training is a decent place to start.
One caution: a sudden new interest in climbing and perching can also mean a dog feels anxious or uncomfortable and is hunting for a safe vantage point. If the habit arrives with pacing, panting, or a refusal to come down, call your vet. Otherwise, enjoy it, and maybe check the couch frame.