Dogs, like children, are much happier living in a family with clear rules of what is, and is not allowed.  A dog that understands the rules will be told off less often and therefore will be happier and more confident.

The House Rules

Agree a set of rules, that all family members will follow so that the dog is treated consistently by everyone. Make a list and stick it on the door of the ’fridge to remind everyone (but don’t expect the dog to read it!).

It may take a week or two to teach your dog the rules, but if all the humans apply the same rules, your dog will soon learn what is, and is not, allowed, and will be much happier living in a clear social structure with clear rules. 

On the other hand, if, for example, one family member allows the dog to climb onto furniture whilst another pushes the dog back onto the floor, the result will be a dog that is confused what is allowed and feels insecure and unhappy.

The rules should include: where the dog will sleep, whether it is allowed on humans’ beds, whether it is allowed on furniture, that the humans must not give it tit-bits when they are eating, etc. Some people prefer not to allow their dog upstairs.

Your dog should always have a bed of its own in a warm, quiet place, where it can go when it wishes to be alone and rest. Children should be taught that this is the dog’s own place and that when the dog is in its bed it must not be disturbed.

When your dog has learned all the house rules and is reasonably well trained, it is possible, if you wish, to introduce certain privileges; for example allowing the dog to lay next to you on the sofa, but only in the evenings, after you have invited it to join you. Your dog will soon learn to come and ‘ask’ for permission to join you.
 

Teaching Your Dog Good Manners

• Train your dog not to pull on the lead (we’ll show you how)
   
• Don’t let your dog jump up people, especially children. Turn your back on it
   
• Train your dog sit and wait at doors and gates to allow you to go through first.
   
• Train your dog to sit at the kerb when you are waiting to cross the road
   
• Do not offer the dog titbits from your human food while you are eating, as this teaches it to scrounge. Any human leftovers can be added to the dog’s dinner, if you wish.
   
• Train your dog to stand still to be brushed and while you examine it all over. Look in its mouth and ears, clean its teeth and ears. Examine its feet and clip its claws. See the Health Check page. Your vet will thank you for having a dog that stands still to be examined.
   
• Consider joining the Kennel Club’s Good Citizen Dog Scheme
   

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