I have 5 small dogs, so I understand your problem. I baby gate Nova and Nacey in the kitchen when I leave. Now they go in willingly when I tell them to, but it wasn't always that way. I used treats and praise to reward them for coming to the kitchen when I called them. I also put them in there sometimes when I'm home so they don't associate the kitchen with me leaving. They also have their bed and toys in there. Now they go in without any problem. The other 3 have a choice of where they want to be, kitchen or elsewhere, Charlie usually chooses to stay in the kitchen with Nacey and Nova.