Do you find yourself tripping over your dog on a regular basis? Do they get in your way when you turn around? Are you constantly walking around them so as not to disturb them? If you answered "yes" to any of these, your dog is probably under foot too often. 

When dogs get under our feet, it's not only hazardous and inconvenient, but it sends them the message that we do not require spatial respect from them. Without this element of respect, our dogs will assume the right to our space uninvited, and this can be even less convenient and very unhealthy for the relationship. 

Dogs want to look to us for leadership. They seek guidance and rules. The clearer we are with them as to the boundaries, and the more consistently we enforce them, the more respectful they will be of those limitations. Boundaries are to dogs what schedules are to people. By not enforcing and reinforcing rules that set our dogs up for success, we are actually confusing them and sending them mixed messages. 

You can teach your dog this fabulous command: get out. Either by starting to teach them the "back" or "backup" command, and tossing them a treat, or by simply signaling to them with your body language that they need to get out of your space, you can teach them this command very quickly. Think of the space around you as a bubble. When you say, "get out", what you mean is, "get out of my bubble". Once they're out, an affirming, "good job" is enough to help them differentiate that they did the right thing. 

Sooner or later, someone will set the boundaries in your household. I would encourage you to make it sooner, and make the rules your rules. I believe that you will have a happier and healthier household and relationship with your dog when they recognize that you are in charge. They truly like following someone else's rules way better than they like setting their own. Practice keeping your dog out of your path by encouraging them to move with the "get out" command and see the positive results from it!