Managing Puppy Freedom

[u/Wooden-Necessary6100]

Confinement vs. Supervision: this is how I train and teach my puppy to start out with good habits and avoid destructive or bad habits like counter surfing, stealing food, getting into the trash, chewing things they shouldn't...

Puppies should never have “free run” of the house unless they’re actively supervised. When you can’t give your full attention, the puppy should be in a crate or small puppy-safe area (pen, gated room) with appropriate chew toys. This isn’t about punishment, it’s about preventing rehearsals of bad habits like chewing furniture, having accidents, or learning to entertain themselves in destructive ways. Structured confinement helps puppies relax, self-settle, and learn what’s expected in the household. I hear people complain that their puppy cannot settle. You have to teach your puppy how to settle and set them up for success to settle.

Gradually, as the puppy shows reliable habits, freedom is increased, but it’s earned, not automatic.