Hi all, this is my first post. I've been lurking for a few weeks, though.
So about two months ago my family adopted a beagle mix puppy. She is now about 5 months old. Admittedly this is my first dog so I'm very new to this! Things are going fairly well; it's been a time-consuming and energy-draining process sometimes--definitely like having a toddler again!--but I do see improvements in her behavior so I know we are doing some things right, ha.
We are wanting to keep her out of the carpeted living room until she is reliably house trained, and past the chewing stage so we can hopefully keep our carpet and furniture in tact. We have hardwood in the hallway and open area between the top of the stairs and the living room. She has access to the stairs/front door and kitchen, so she has plenty of room to wander around.
I've worked with her using food rewards to try to keep her off the carpet, but she just isn't getting it. We've worked on having her not cross the line between hardwood and carpet, and she can do it while we're actively training, but any other time she forgets or ignores that she's not supposed to be on that side.
I am hoping for suggestions from folks who have been able to successfully establish boundaries in their home for their dogs. The entryway to the living room is too wide to gate off, so that's not an option.
Thanks in advance!
So about two months ago my family adopted a beagle mix puppy. She is now about 5 months old. Admittedly this is my first dog so I'm very new to this! Things are going fairly well; it's been a time-consuming and energy-draining process sometimes--definitely like having a toddler again!--but I do see improvements in her behavior so I know we are doing some things right, ha.
We are wanting to keep her out of the carpeted living room until she is reliably house trained, and past the chewing stage so we can hopefully keep our carpet and furniture in tact. We have hardwood in the hallway and open area between the top of the stairs and the living room. She has access to the stairs/front door and kitchen, so she has plenty of room to wander around.
I've worked with her using food rewards to try to keep her off the carpet, but she just isn't getting it. We've worked on having her not cross the line between hardwood and carpet, and she can do it while we're actively training, but any other time she forgets or ignores that she's not supposed to be on that side.
I am hoping for suggestions from folks who have been able to successfully establish boundaries in their home for their dogs. The entryway to the living room is too wide to gate off, so that's not an option.
Thanks in advance!