Answer:
Many people are so in love with their pets that they can’t say, “No,” to anything their pets want. Ironically, this overly permissive treatment does not optimize the bond between human and pet. Far better is to persist, insist, and be consistent with house rules to help your four-footed student see you as a reliable teacher and leader.

For example, if you don’t want a pet entering a specific room, there can be no exceptions. When you are not there to enforce the new rule, set up a barrier to prevent access. When present and able to observe, give the pet a startling, “Ah-Ah” to interrupt trespassing into the “forbidden zone”. If your pet stops, praise enthusiastically, call away and offer a tasty food treat. If needed, move the pet back from your virtual barrier. Count on this lesson taking quite a few repetitions before your pet has an, “Ah-Ha,” moment.

Back