We have a split level house. The dog is restricted to downstairs by closing a pocket door when nobody is home. No food available there, so no problems. She also has a doggie door to the outside which keeps her happy.
She's smart and incredibly well behaved while we're home but will occasionally do something not allowed if given access. Once in a while she'll start sleeping on the sofa which is not allowed. She always jumps off and is on her bed before I open the door but the tell-tale warm dog-sized spot gives her away (dogs aren't THAT smart fortunately). Bitter Apple works for that. Large amounts of cayenne pepper taught her to stay out of the garbage. She's crate trained if she travels with us and is staying at someone else's house.
The more exercise she gets, the less likely she is to misbehave. She's also mellowed a bit as she's gotten older (she's 4).
You could try to restric your dog to a certain area by the use of doors or possibly with one of the electronic devices that are available. Otherwise, there's alway the option of a crate or an enclosed dog run outside.
Good luck!
Jon
