I think this is pretty common. On a Labrador forum several people posted that their Lab puppies had done the same thing even though they were already almost potty trained. The best thing might be to not allow Mikey on the furniture unless he is in your lap, until he is absolutely 100% potty trained. (I have read, though, that some Chi's NEVER attain 100%). So you may just want to train him to stay on the floor unless you invite him up on the furniture to be with you.
Sometimes a dog will assume he is Alpha because he is allowed the same privileges as his owner. Dogs are pack animals, so they expect to find their place in the ranking of the members of the household. Trainers tell owners of dogs who have become aggressive or dominant with them to take away couch and bed privileges to teach the dog that the owner is Alpha.
I know that your sweet puppy is not being agressive/dominant with you, but I shared this info just so that you would not feel that you are being mean if you prohibit Mikey from being up on the furniture.
You could also just put a waterproof covering over your cushions whenever you're not sitting on it, and if Mikey gets up there and has an accident your couch won't get soiled.
Sometimes a dog will assume he is Alpha because he is allowed the same privileges as his owner. Dogs are pack animals, so they expect to find their place in the ranking of the members of the household. Trainers tell owners of dogs who have become aggressive or dominant with them to take away couch and bed privileges to teach the dog that the owner is Alpha.
I know that your sweet puppy is not being agressive/dominant with you, but I shared this info just so that you would not feel that you are being mean if you prohibit Mikey from being up on the furniture.
You could also just put a waterproof covering over your cushions whenever you're not sitting on it, and if Mikey gets up there and has an accident your couch won't get soiled.
