How do I make my almost 2 year old understand NO?

[TotorosOcarina]

She doesn't listen, she really doesn't.

Up to now its not been so much of a problem ... she climbs I bring her down, she goes back up I bring her down again.

But now theres something that she seriously CANNOT do and I can't stop her!

My dog is having pups and her whelping box is in the living room, shewill not stop climbinin it, putting toys in it.

I'm getting really stressed and woried now as it is vitally important she knows she cannot go near this box.

Can anyone help please?!

Mmm. Is there no way to put the box out of the way ie utility room etc?

Frankly, I don't think there's a chance of making a not-yet-2 yo respect boundaries.

DD, for example, is perfectly aware she's not supposed to draw on walls, but she still does it. I don't think they have much control over their impulses at this age.

Either move the box or watch her non stop.

No, I can't move the box, the pups need to be attended to 24-7, I will be sleeping on the couch next to them for at least 3 weeks (a weel before they are due to be with mum and till they are 2 weeks old) so the box needs to be in the living room.

Hmmmmm, I think you may have to put it in a play-pen and lock it up in that case!!!

My DD is the same age and no she can't learn "NO" yet either. Well, it seems that way- we are having an issue with door shutting at the moment. I've come to the conclusion that if I'm worried about it I will just have to tie the doors up as it's too much fun- she will keep doing it, and it's too exhausting intervening the whole time.

christ thats true, its like she thrives off my stress

its too big to go in a play pen,

i might have to live in the kitchen for 2 months!!

sAY 'NO' And mean it. If she doesn't listen - you need a crate for her perhaps?

my DD was that age when my mum had a litter in the house, and the solution was to have a playpen for her, and the crate for the pups. otherwise she wouldn't leave them alone.

or some combination of stairgates to keep the two separate.

I've bought a few new stairgates but I cant see a way t sepearte the room,

unless i get one of those huge ones and just cut a 3rd of the room off?!

might have to as she will not listen!

Its when they turn round and laugh at you as well while you are standing there with your most angry face saying NO trying to be stern !
Good luck !

yes rosa!

she taken to shouting back too, some total babble, and pointing her finger at me!

why do you have to be with the pups 24/7 out of curiosity as a prior veterinary nurse there must be a good reason. My DS is 22 months and NO means lets do it again and see the reaction :o

Because you have to keep a close eye on them for the first 2 weeks, mum can end up sitting n them accidently or they may have trouble latching.

I wouldn't leave mum to it for hours on end, the pups are as much my responsibility as hers!
Plus mum needs to be looked after too, i need keep an eye on her for signs of infection etc

No decent breeder would leave such small pups alone for a significant time.

agreed TO

they can get into trouble so fast..they need watching!