Dogs getting on couches at night

Question
We have a 6 year old chocolate lab and a 3 year old Boxter. Recently, our dogs are getting on the couches at night when we are asleep. We can't catch them in the act because the moment they hear us move upstairs they jump down.

My husband believes that the way to train them is to give them a command to get on the couches and then spank them when they obey his command and get up on the couch. He believes he is trying to teach them they shouldn't get on the couch no matter what - even if he tells them to.

Is the best course of action?

Answer
Your husband is confusing the dogs and all he's teaching them is that he can't be trusted.  

If you want your dogs off the couches at night, confine them to another room, crate them or put something on the couches so the dogs can't lay there.  I put TV trays on my couch at night.  Management is sometimes the answer!  Spanking is never the answer.  Good luck.