How to Create House Rules for Your New Puppy

Bringing a new puppy into your home and raising them to be a well-behaved adult comes with a learning curve — for both you and your new companion. Puppies thrive on structure, and setting house rules early can pave the way for good habits, prevent unwanted behaviors, and keep the peace in your home.

The secret to successful house rules? Consistency, positive reinforcement, and realistic expectations (because, let’s be honest, accidents happen). From teaching your pup that shoes are not chew toys to establishing good potty habits, we’ll help you create house rules that set your puppy up for success (and keep your belongings intact).

Why are puppy house rules important?

“House rules are critical for laying a solid foundation for your puppy’s future behavior,” says Ashley Reely, professional dog trainer and founder of Meraki Dogs. Reely explains that things that might seem adorable in a tiny puppy — like jumping up or chewing on personal items (or even your arm) — can become disruptive or even dangerous as they grow. House rules also create a safe environment for your puppy, prevent accidents, and build a strong foundation for training and communication.

Lorrie Reynolds, a professional dog trainer and founder of Maximum Fun Dog Sports, adds that dogs don’t have the capacity to see actions as inherently “bad” or “good.” This is why it’s crucial to teach your new puppy which behaviors are expected in your home. 

Reely advises you to start teaching these expectations as soon as your puppy arrives home. Setting clear boundaries and expectations early helps prevent unwanted behaviors from taking root, paving the way for a well-behaved adult dog.

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What is the best way to create puppy house rules?

The best time to plan your house rules is before your newly adopted puppy arrives. Here’s how to establish clear and effective expectations from the start.

Consider your puppy’s needs

Think about what’s essential for your puppy’s safety, comfort, and training. Puppies need designated spaces for eating, sleeping, playing, and going to the bathroom. Make sure your rules support their natural behaviors while guiding them away from destructive or dangerous habits.

Identify your household priorities

Every family is different, so tailor your rules to fit your lifestyle. Do you want to keep certain rooms off-limits? Is jumping on furniture a no-no? Decide on the boundaries you want to establish and start teaching them on day one. 

Be consistent

Consistency is key to teaching your puppy what’s acceptable. Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page with the rules. Mixed messages can confuse your puppy and delay their progress.

Use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a humane, effective way to teach your puppy new behaviors by rewarding actions you want to see repeated. Timing is key: Puppies have short attention spans, so reward them immediately after they perform a desired action. 

For example, if your rule is to stay off the couch, immediately praise them and give them a treat when they sit or lie next to the couch instead of jumping up. If your puppy does jump on the couch, calmly redirect them without scolding. Use a command like “Off,” guide them down, and immediately reward them with praise and a treat after they settle onto the floor or their dog bed. 

Over time, as your puppy consistently follows the rule, transition to mostly verbal praise (with the occasional treat), teaching them to stay motivated without relying solely on food rewards.

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Common new puppy house rules

Every household will have its own set of rules based on what matters most to them. Here are some common rules (along with tips for teaching them) that many pet parents set to support the well-being of their puppy, home, and family.

• Potty outside, not in the house

Reynolds says teaching your puppy to potty outside, instead of inside, is one of the most basic expectations you should teach from the get-go.

Begin by taking your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, and play sessions. Use the same spot each time to create a routine, and immediately reward them with praise and treats when they go in the right place.

If accidents occur indoors, don’t punish them. Instead, redirect your puppy to the appropriate outdoor area and clean up the mess thoroughly to eliminate odors that could encourage repeat accidents. 

• No chewing on furniture or household items

Provide your puppy with appropriate chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew. When they start chewing on something off-limits, redirect them to a toy and praise them when they use it. 

• No jumping on people

To curb jumping up on people, Reely says to teach your puppy that jumping garners no attention. “When your puppy jumps, the best response is to stand upright, avoid eye contact, and withhold speaking until they settle with all four paws on the ground,” she says. “Once calm, reward them with affection and treats.” 

• Stay off the furniture

If you prefer your puppy to stay off the furniture, provide a comfortable alternative, like a dog bed or blanket. Use a command like “Off” and guide them down if they jump up. Immediately reward them for settling down in a puppy-approved spot. 

• Stay quiet and calm in a crate or pen

When a new puppy can’t be supervised, Reynolds says the best place for them is in a crate or pen, so that they won’t soil the house, chew up anything inappropriate, or get hurt by ingesting something toxic.

To crate-train your puppy, create a positive and inviting crate environment with cozy bedding and toys. Begin with short sessions, using positive reinforcement to show your puppy that the crate is a safe, rewarding space. Gradually extend crate time as they grow more comfortable.

• Keep out of restricted areas

Use baby gates or closed doors to block off rooms where your puppy isn’t allowed. Pair this with training commands like “Stay” or “Leave it” to reinforce the boundaries. Reward your puppy for staying in the allowed areas. 

• No begging at the table

Start by feeding your puppy before you sit down to eat. A full belly makes them less likely to focus on your food. If your puppy approaches the table or starts begging, ignore them completely. Even making eye contact or saying “No” can give them the attention they’re seeking. Instead, remain consistent in not acknowledging the behavior. If they persist, calmly redirect them to their designated area and reward them once they stay there.

How routines can help encourage house rules

Establishing routines is one of the most effective ways to reinforce house rules and create a structured, harmonious environment for your puppy and household. A predictable daily puppy routine gives your puppy clear cues about when it’s time to eat, play, rest, or go potty. 

For example, by consistently taking your puppy outside after meals and naps, you’re teaching them that potty breaks happen in specific places and times rather than in the house. Similarly, a regular puppy bedtime routine can help your puppy settle down and learn to sleep in their designated area.

Routines also help curb unwanted behaviors, such as chewing or excessive barking, by meeting your puppy’s needs for exercise, mental stimulation, and rest at predictable intervals. When your puppy knows what to expect, they’re less likely to act out due to boredom or overstimulation.

House rules for the human family

When introducing a new puppy to the household, all family members must follow consistent rules to help the puppy adjust and learn good behavior. Here are some tips for the human side of the family.

• Be calm and gentle: Always approach the puppy calmly, and avoid overwhelming them with loud noises or sudden movements.

• Supervise interactions: Young children should always be supervised when playing with the puppy to keep both safe.

• Stick to the rules: Rules should be followed by everyone, including other members of your family and guests. For example, if the puppy isn’t allowed on furniture or in certain areas, make sure everyone enforces this consistently. Mixed messages can confuse the puppy.

• Use positive reinforcement: Reward the puppy for good behavior, and never yell or punish them for mistakes. Teach kids to praise and encourage rather than scold.

• Respect nap time: Puppies need plenty of rest. Remind everyone not to disturb the puppy while they’re sleeping or while they’re in their designated quiet area.

• Don’t share human food: Teach kids not to feed the puppy table scraps or snacks, as this can lead to begging, upset stomach, or even harm if they eat food that’s toxic to dogs. 

• Be patient: Remind family members that puppies are still learning and will make mistakes. Patience and kindness go a long way in helping them grow into well-behaved dogs.

Commonly asked questions

How do rules help me raise a friendly puppy?

Providing structure and teaching rules through positive reinforcement helps your puppy develop good manners and social skills, shaping them into a friendly and well-behaved companion.

How long does it take puppies to learn rules?

Learning timelines vary by puppy and the rules being taught. It typically takes four to six months for a puppy to be fully house-trained. Crate training can take days or weeks. Patience and repetition are crucial for long-term success.

What should I do if my puppy breaks a house rule?

Stay calm, and redirect your puppy to the correct behavior using positive reinforcement. For example, guide them to their chew toy if they’re chewing furniture. Never punish.  Instead, consistently reward good behavior to help them learn.

What is a good puppy nighttime routine?

A good puppy nighttime routine includes a final potty break to prevent accidents, followed by a calm, quiet activity like gentle play or snuggling. Place your puppy in their crate or bed with cozy bedding, and dim the lights. Reduce noise to help them settle and sleep peacefully.

Resources

The Humane Society of The United States. “Positive Reinforcement Training.” The Humane Society of the United States, 2024, www.humanesociety.org/resources/positive-reinforcement-training.

“Puppy Training Timeline: Teaching Good Behavior before It’s Too Late.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-training-timeline-teaching-good-behavior-before-its-too-late.

“Complete Puppy Training Schedule by Age!” The Puppy Academy, www.thepuppyacademy.com/blog/2020/8/24/complete-puppy-training-schedule-by-age.