Tips for 5 month old pup

Lifeisbutadream

Georgina wrote: »

You don't need to use stairgates forever, just whilst he is learning where he can go. If he can't reach a room, then there is no reward (ie your DDs toys) for him, so he'll learn to stay where the reward is greater.

You need to be consistent, make sure you ALWAYS shut the gate/door, and ensure the whole family know the rules!

The whole family definitely know - especially as they have seen what he can do!

sarabe

Lifeisbutadream wrote: »

I think you misunderstood my original query admittedly it sidetracked slightly (but sorry he did know he had done wrong, he was hiding before I was angry)

I understand that I can shut doors and use stairgates and that is what I am doing whilst he is a pup.

I was asking how I can teach him not to go in these areas long term - I surely dont need to keep stairgates and doors shut for his entire life could be a bit of a pain.

Dogs are amoral, they have no concept of right and wrong, just rewarding vs unrewarding - safe vs dangerous.

Punishment or aversives delivered by us simply teaches dogs that it is dangerous to do it in our presence, hence why he was hiding when you appeared.

Close doors and use stairgates to teach your pup where he can and cannot go. Don't set him up to go wrong.