As you continue to house train your pooch, stick with a set schedule. If your doggy gets used to eating, going to the bathroom, and walking at a set time, he'll be less likely to act out and will know what to expect. Continue to be consistent and your pooch will respond positively!

Setting house rules makes life easier for everyone. It also prevents disagreements that often cause stress and confusion, particularly for dogs.

Here are some of my top house rules to get you going:

1. Create boundaries
Choose areas of the home you would like to be off-limits and set clear boundaries for behaviors that you find inappropriate, such as jumping and counter surfing.
If your dog engages in these behaviors, try management and training techniques that focus on teaching an alternate positive behavior.

2. Set a house-training schedule
Your dog must understand where it is appropriate to go potty. The key to easy house training is a combination of a regular potty/feeding/exercise and play schedule, along with consistency and patience.

3. Teach basic cues
Basic cues are a great way to communicate and teach your dog the fundamental skills needed to implement the house rules.

Be consistent with the words you use and the way you handle your dog.

4. Hire a trainer
Whether you take your dog to group classes or hire a dog trainer to help you at home with the house rules, check that the trainer is certified by a reputable organization and committed to fear-free training methods. All dogs need some kind of canine education that incorporates life skills, such as learning cues, problem-solving, socializing, impulse control, and basic manners.

5. Be consistent
No amount of training will be successful long-term without the entire family’s commitment to consistency. Consistency makes learning easier and will give your dog the confidence she needs to be successful within her environment.

Another way to help your pup stick to your house rules is by hiring a trainer. A trainer can instill positive house rules as well as help him get socialized. You can find a trainer by asking another pet owner you trust or by doing your research. A certified trainer is best. As you continue to train your pooch commands be consistent and loving — your pooch will respond positively due to your efforts. For more excellent house training tips, Dogster has some great ideas.