If you want to avoid problems down the track, it’s important you set – and stick to – certain house rules from the outset.

Ruling the roost

Before you bring your puppy home, it's important to agree on some house rules with every member of the family, especially children.

Do you want your puppy to get up on the sofa for a cuddle, or is this a big no-no? Is your puppy going to be allowed upstairs? Is he going to be sleeping with you (or a child) on a bed?

Every house is different and it's up to everyone in your household to sort out what constitutes acceptable behaviour and what doesn't. But just having rules isn't enough - it's also important for everyone to apply them in a consistent manner once the puppy arrives.

If you keep these tips in mind, you'll be setting clear boundaries for puppy and people alike, setting the stage for a healthy and happy relationship all round.

1. Let sleeping dogs lie. Puppies need a lot of sleep. When your pup is in his bed, don't disturb him.
   
2. Please don't tease. You should never tease your puppy - it gives him the wrong message.
   
3. Nip and tuck. If your puppy nips anyone during playtime or gets a bit over-excited, the 'victim' should yelp loudly, turn away for a second or two, then ignore it.
   
4. Scrappy behaviour. Your puppy should never be given scraps from the table, as it encourages begging and may upset digestion.
   
5. Out of bounds. Decide where the puppy can and can't go inside the house. Puppies shouldn't be allowed to climb stairs unsupervised and stair-gates are useful to restrict access.
   
6. The howling. Decide where the puppy will sleep - and stick to it. Smuggling pets into bed because they howl only teaches them that screaming the house down at night brings a reward! No-one wants to hear their puppy's yelps, but it's important to remember that within a few nights, your puppy will be perfectly adjusted and will no longer cry.
   
7. Kid gloves. Young children shouldn't pick up the puppy without supervision.
   
8. Eating etiquette. Your puppy shouldn't be disturbed when eating.
   
9. Rostered existence. Walking, feeding, training and grooming tasks should be shared between all family members so everyone has a chance to develop a bond with the pup. Draw up a roster and stick to it.
   
10. Floor play. All family members and visitors should be warned that anything left on the floor is fair game for the puppy. Homework, shoes, handbags, laundry... everything should be out of reach until your puppy learns which are his toys!