Dogs are just like humans – they possess a full range of personalities, and usually we love all of them. But if you find yourself with pooch who is constantly pestering you for attention, you may find yourself more irritated by his persistence than enamored by it.

Some dogs bark and bark, while others may paw at you incessantly or constantly whine. Whatever the behavior, it is likely that your dog is demanding your attention, and unless they are trained differently, they will continue until they get their way.

Tips on Reacting to Demanding Dogs

A dog which is demanding is a lot like a small child looking for attention. What you may see as an angry reaction, they perceive as a win – they got your attention for a moment. Therefore, they are likely to continue or even intensify their pleas.

If you are at your wits end and need some peace, there are proven methods to break your dog’s habit. But be warned – it will take some persistence and nerves of steel.

  1. Constant barking, pawing or jumping is unacceptable behavior for any pet. Because your dog is looking for attention, it is important that these behaviors are not rewarded in any way.
  2. No matter how insistent the dog gets, ignore him and do not respond. If he barks for 15 minutes and then you give in, he has only learned that if he barks for 15 minutes, he gets what he wants. This will encourage him to dig into the behavior, not to stop. Therefore, every time your dog demands attention, ignore it completely until he gives up. Dog owners report that this is the most difficult part of training their dog, so be ready to be irritated for a few days.
  3. Once you have peace, command him to sit, and when he complies, give him the attention he was craving. In fact, you should use the sit command before every action, such as putting on a leash to go for a walk, or letting him out in the back yard to play. Once he learns that everything he wants to do is preceded by him sitting patiently and waiting for your response, you are on the road to behavior change.
  4. Training your demanding dog requires you to ignore annoying behavior until it stops. Therefore, it is imperative that every member of the household is committed to the process. If you consistently resist his pawing, but your spouse gives in, all of your training goes out the window. That is why many dog owners choose to train their demanding dog while they are alone with them for a period of time.
  5. Remember that there are legitimate reasons for your dog to be seeking your attention on occasion. He may need to go outside, or maybe he doesn’t feel well. However, if the behavior is consistent, it should be dealt with, and the sooner the better!

While breaking your demanding dog of their attention-grabbing behaviors may be difficult, the process should be short-lived. The result will be worth the effort, and restore your sanity!

Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training knows that training your dogs to be obedient and follow your rules sets the stage for a healthy relationship – and a happier family.