I have a five month old pup who is fantastic, the only thing is when
we shout and him or tell him off for something he just barks at us and
runs round the house in circles as fast as he can . 
Any tips on trying to get him to realise that this isnt a game
and no means no!

I'm more inclined to stay positive and teach my pup what to do instead of what not to do.  Trouble is when you say 'don't do that' he still doesn't know what he should be doing and might guess wrong again.  You don't want him growing up thinking his name is 'NO'

Sally

Don't shout at him..........

Concentrate on the things he does that are right - and ignore or distract him from the things he does that you consider 'wrong', or he'll start to do more of the 'wrong' things to get attention.  The barking and playing silly beggars is because he doesn't understand what all the fuss is about - dogs have three reactions to things the don't like - flight (run away), fight (could be the barking, and biting) and 'fiddle about' - the running round in circles in the case of your dog - stop pressuring him and he'll stop doing it.

Hmmm, how do you feel when you are shouted at?  Does it make you listen more or does it make you feel uncomfortable and unhappy?

I assume your dog is not deaf therefore there is no reason to shout at it (pointless shouting to deaf ones) :D

Puppies, like children and adults, learn best when the understand the rules, are talked to calmly and praised for when they do well.  Fear and confusion only inhibits learning.  Think about all the mistakes you would probably make if someone transported you to a foreign culture, where you did not understand the language, culture, rules etc and then maybe you will be able to help your puppy more.

Saying a firm NO does not require shouting, na?
By shouting at your pup, you make him scared, and it is obvious for him to run away.

Perhaps you can encourage him to do other things.

My feeling is that when he barks at you he's just joining in and shouting back! Looking straight into his eyes with a calm but very stern "No!" when he's doing wrong is more effective and plenty of praise when he gets things right. :)

Kath.