Getting
Started Week 18 - Who's Telling Who What to Do?
Dogs are
social creatures. They have been bred to enjoy human companionship
and attention. We enjoy the
behaviors dogs show us that resemble affection. For example, when the
dog puts his head in our laps, or lifts a paw for attention, we melt.
We think our dogs
are brilliant when they bang the food bowl for food or bring us their
leashes or balls. Sadly, taken to the extreme, these lovable behaviors
become
problematic.
In many cases, the pet parent
did not intent to teach the pet this behavior
but has reinforced it. The pet
may have learned this is one of
the best ways to get the
attention he or she craves from
the owner.
Identify Pet Attention Seeking
Behaviors
Attention seeking behaviors
are anything the pet does to get
the pet parent's attention such
as nudging, pawing, leaning,
vocalizing, running around in
circles - you name it!
Remember this rule of thumb:
Anything that gets attention
(rewarded) gets repeated
(because it gets the pet what is
wanted).
Parenting Tips™ for your puppy
Print Friendly Version