DOGS BARKING FOR ATTENTION

BARKING FOR ATTENTION

If you give attention every time your dog wants it and one day you just want a moment to yourself, then barking for attention may well set in as he hasn’t got your attention from the usual nudge.

Ensure you give your young dog attention and massage on your terms. Call him to you instead of him training you to do as he says when he says.

If this is already and issue, you’ve just sat down with a coffee and a chocolate bar, TV on and your favourite programme is about to start...Then your dog positions himself in your vision and starts barking. 

•Try turning your face away. If this does not work

•Stand up and step towards your dog which will move him backwards. Take his space. You’ve moved him. Your decision.

•If he is quiet for 2 seconds then calmly call him to you for a gentle massage... he gets you when he is quiet.

•Increase the delay of recall gradually.

If walking into him gently and hence moving him backwards does not work we have to up a level

•Carry on walking and look out the window. His barking still hasn’t got your attention. Then call to you if quiet when you step away.

•If this hasn’t worked, then leave the room. If he barges past you into the next room. Shut the door so you are one side he is the other.

•Open it immediately he is quiet. If he remains quiet for 2 or 3 seconds then call him to you.

•All this is about when you are quiet you get me. Shout at me and I’m not interested.

•If you are on your walk, then place your dog on his harness and lead and walk him round silently...follow me...movement if a powerful tool for focusing on what you want and are doing. 

•When he is quiet let the lead go and step away. Call him for calm massage then play when he is quiet.

NOTHING IS A QUICK FIX. THINK TWICE IF SOMEONE OFFERS YOU A QUICK FIX IT WILL BE EITHER PAINFUL OR INTIMIDATING AND THAT’S JUST CRUEL.

More info in "Why Does My Dog Do That ?” By Caroline Spencer