I love this little set of rules. It illustrates the last 30 years in pet parenting. When I was growing up we were crazy indulgent pet people who let our “animals” in the house with us. My mom would let the dog in the house over night only if he went straight to the basement. Those days are gone (hopefully) along with the chain and the doghouse at the bottom of the yard (hopefully). Some think we’ve lost control and don’t know how to train our dogs. While that may very well be true in a lot of cases, I think of lot of us just realized it wasn’t so bad to let them a little further into our lives as well as our hearts. I don’t think it hurts anyone to pamper your pooch, as long as you are a little more consistent than the rules below.
Rules of the house regarding the dog
The dog is only allowed in certain rooms.
Ok, the dog is allowed in all rooms but has to stay off of the furniture.
The dog can get on the old furniture only.
Fine, the dog is allowed on all furniture but is not allowed to sleep on the bed.
Ok, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation.
The can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but only at the foot.
The dog can sleep anywhere on the bed but not on the pillow.
The dog can sleep on the pillow.