My 60lb German Shepherd, Lupa, was hit by a car when she was a little over 4 years old after strong winds blew a gate open.  The accident shattered her front right elbow and the vets recommended full amputation of the leg.  Since the wreck, her back legs limp when she walks and she has a few sensitive areas along her back toward her hips. 

I got Lupa when she was 6 months old with NO intentions of ever letting her on furniture other than my bed.  I had firmly decided that I would immediately correct any attempts to get on furniture.  I never did becuase she never attempted it.  I let her sleep with in me in my bed but she preffered the hard floor unless it was really cold. 

One night, when Lupa was 5 years old, I was sitting on the couch watching a movie with my family.  Lupa was pacing around the room and lying down in different areas.  At first, I thought she was returning to her normal pacing that GSDs do, but upon closer observation, I though it looked as though she couldn't get settled or comfortable.  She eventually walked over to the couch and jumped on it.  I was surprised!  5 years and NOW she decides to try the couch!  It's been 2 years since this incident and she has done this about 4 times.  I really don't have an issue with her on the couch since she doesn't do it to snatch food off your plate, tear up the upholstery or any other bad behaviour other dogs I've had and allowed on the couch have exhibited.  She will remove herself if I tell her too, so I know she will not start thinking she "owns" the couch. 

Having said I don't really mind her on the furniture, I would still like to know why she is doing this.  We live with a roommate who owns the furniture in the house I rent and this may be something she doesn't want.   She wants to get new furniture, so the a dog on the current furniture isn't an issue, but it's best to start now.  I'm sure she would understand if this is something Lupa does to get comfortable, but I don't my dog on her furniture if it isn't really needed.

She did this again, last night.  Could it be that she is doing this to get comfortable/ease joint pain?  I don't want to force her off the couch if being on the floor is somehow hurting her joints. 

There is a blanket covering the couch due to a precious roommate's dog ruining the couch (another reason I don't like dogs on furniture) until we get a new one.  Getting her a special blanket for when she does want to be on the couch is a good idea, thanks!  Why didn't I think of that?  I thought she might want to get closer to me as well, but last night she jumped onto the couch when I was sitting in a chair. 

It just seems strange that all of a sudden she wants to get on furniture.  It makes me think there may be a reason.