Establish Your House Rules

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting adventure filled with cuddles, playtime, and new experiences. As you embark on this journey, establishing clear and consistent house rules for your furry friend is essential. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of creating effective puppy house rules that promote a safe, harmonious, and happy living environment for both you and your pup.

Why Do You Need Puppy House Rules?

Puppy house rules serve as a foundation for teaching your new furry family member appropriate behaviors and boundaries. Just as human children benefit from structure and consistency, puppies thrive when they understand what is expected of them. Clear rules provide guidance and help prevent behavioral issues, ensuring a positive and enjoyable relationship between you and your puppy.

How Will You Create House Rules?

Creating effective puppy house rules requires careful consideration and consistency. Start by identifying the behaviors and activities that are important to you and align with your household values. Keep the rules simple, easy to understand, and age-appropriate for your puppy's developmental stage. Consistency is key, so ensure that all family members are on the same page when it comes to enforcing the rules.

Consider These Guidelines

  1. Where will you permit the puppy to roam in the house? Some individuals opt for unrestricted puppy movement from the outset. Others designate specific areas as off-limits for the pup, such as the kitchen or a nursery. You might prefer confining the pup to a single floor during the house-training phase. For many households, limiting the puppy's access to a confined space is most practical while house-training.
  2. Will the dog be allowed on the furniture? What's suitable for a tiny, endearing puppy may not be as fitting for a fully grown dog. It's crucial to establish your stance early on. You can teach them to abstain from furniture altogether, or you can train them to stay off furniture unless given a specific command. Alternatively, you might decide they're welcome on particular furniture items but not others. And for some, permitting the dog on furniture is entirely acceptable. Whatever your preference, set the rule before your puppy arrives.
  3. Who in the household has what responsibilities? While it's simple for family members to commit to caring for the dog before its arrival, reality often differs. Determine each person's responsibilities now, before the puppy becomes a part of the household.
  4. Establish a morning routine. Morning schedules can be a challenge, especially in larger families. Decide ahead of time when your puppy will be fed and taken outside.
  5. Apply the same principle to your evening routine. Who feeds the dog and at what time? Will they enjoy a leisurely stroll after dinner or a quick outdoor break? Is there a designated bedtime or do they snooze on their own schedule?
  6. Where will the puppy sleep? Will they be crated downstairs, away from the bedrooms? Is crating in a family member's room the plan? A dog bed in the hallway? Will they sleep wherever they please, even alongside you? Many owners opt to crate the puppy at night, particularly until they are fully house-trained.
  7. Is it acceptable for your dog to receive table treats or scraps? Even allowing this behavior once can set expectations, potentially leading to persistent tableside begging. Beyond the concern that human food may not be suitable for dogs, this habit can become bothersome quickly. Determine the household rule prior to the puppy's arrival.
  8. What commands will be used for basic obedience, such as sit, stay, and come? Ensure that fundamental commands and signals are established consistently among all household members.
  9. Should your puppy be permitted to jump on people? While a small puppy's enthusiastic greeting may seem adorable, it's a behavior best approached thoughtfully. In most cases, encouraging jumping is not desirable. Dealing with a 100 lbs American Dirus dog's excited leaps can lose its charm. If you intend to discourage jumping, initiate training right from the start.

Once you've finalized your rules, consider posting them in a visible location, such as the refrigerator. This daily reminder can help everyone in the household remain aware of their responsibilities and ensure a harmonious coexistence with your new furry family member.

House Rules for Humans

While creating rules for your puppy is important, consider establishing some house rules for humans as well.
These rules can include:

  • Supervision: Always supervise interactions between children and the puppy to ensure safety for both parties.
  • Consistency: Enforce rules consistently across all family members to avoid confusion for the puppy.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors with praise, treats, or affection to reinforce good conduct.
  • Training Time: Dedicate time each day to train, exercise, and socialize your puppy for mental and physical well-being.
  • Patience: Understand that puppies are learning and may make mistakes. Be patient and use redirection to guide their behavior.

Creating house rules for your new puppy lays the groundwork for a well-behaved, happy, and balanced canine companion. By establishing clear boundaries and expectations, you're setting your puppy up for success and helping them integrate seamlessly into your family life. Remember, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are the keys to reinforcing these rules and building a strong bond between you and your furry friend. With a solid set of house rules, you're on the path to a joyful and harmonious journey with your new puppy.