Keep Puppy in the Right Place - No-go Zones

There will often be parts of your house which you do not wish your pet to access. Everyone is different - for you it may be the study, dining room, or bathroom. Wherever this is, you must start as you want to continue.

Of course the easy answer is to keep the door to these rooms closed, but if puppy does get in, then decisively remove him with as little attention as possible. Everyone in the household must be informed of the pup no-go zones and buy in to the deal. Everybody has to enforce the rules and remove the puppy if he does manage to gain access to any place he should not go. In time he will figure out that these areas are not for him.

Keep Puppy off the Furniture - Until You Want Him On!

The same system appies to household furniture. Some folks do not mind the dog sitting on the couch and chairs, whilst for other folks these are absolute no-go zones. Even if you don't mind your fluffy pal joining you, it should always be by your stipulation. He must on no account get onto the chair or sofa unless invited.

Bear in mind - you are the person in charge - and he should not take the decision independently. If he jumps up without permission, simply remove him without any fuss. After a period of time, encourage him to join you. In this manner he will soon realise that the only time he gets to snuggle up on the sofa is when you require him to.

Of course when the dog is very young he would, as you would expect, like to follow you everywhere. This is when child security gates are extremely handy, permitting him to look at you in rooms where he is not allowed to go himself. Nevertheless, be sure that the bars are not spaced sufficiently wide to get his head stuck between, because if he can, you can be sure he will!

A Place of His Own - Your No-Go Zone!

It is important that your pet has a area to call his own from the onset. It does not have to be huge - just an adequate area to turn and stretch out. A basket or dog bed is okay or a crate - even a cardboard carton. The principal idea is that this is his safe haven, where he can feel safe and sound and be at ease.

Yet again, the complete family should understand this - in particular children, who have to be trained that this is a no-go zone for them and that they must not disrupt the pet when he is in his bed. Occasionally a puppy will feel extra safe and sound with an old piece of your clothing in his bed - maybe an old sweater. It will smell of you and make him feel safe and happy.