First, this dog is not mine but I take her on at least one walk a day. I don't feed her or anything else. The problem is even after giving attention, she'll yipe for more attention, so much that I can't even watch a movie with the family because she is so disruptive. She's a Black Lab and though she's got a sweet disposition , I find this almost constant attention seeking hard to take at times. Also, the other frustrating part is that others in the family think its just one big joke. Any suggestions?
2007-05-24 07:44:30 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
LOL, I meant to say I take her OUT.
2007-05-24 07:45:21 · update #1
Well if everyone isn't going to help solve the problem, then it's not going to change.. Everyone has to ignore the attention seeking, and teach her to be calm if she wants attention.. If they think it's a joke, they aren't likely to work with you and keep things consistent.
2007-05-24 07:49:55 · answer #1 · answered by DP 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
She's training you. She knows that her barking and other attention-seeking behaviors will always result in attention. Time to change the picture for her!
If this were a dog under my care, I would crate her when I wanted to do something else, after having introduced her to the crate positively. Or, I would train her to do a "go to your mat" behavior. This can be done while watching a movie etc - don't interact with the dog at all, just toss treats on to or in to the place where you want her to go. Don't react to any barking, and try to time your rewards so that she's not barking when you toss that treat.
She will eventually connect that it's going to her place or going into her crate that gets her treats and (low-key) attention. She will most likely BARK!!!! to see if it will still work - and the key to your success will be to *totally* ignore that.
Be sure to not let other people reward her for barking. If she jumps on their laps, they should wordlessly stand up. If she jumps on standing people and begs for attention, they should simply turn around - no need to freak out, no need to punish.
You may want to Google "NILIF" (Nothing in Life is Free) to get more info about this, as that's a great system to manage this problem. Good luck!
2007-05-24 15:01:51 · answer #2 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for your family, I can't help you there. But a dog will continue any behavior that gives it what it wants. Labs are great dogs and love your attention. If you do not award her with more attention she will eventually stop.
For exampe, if she jumps up on you to obtain attention do not push her off. She'll think it's play time. Instead, raise your hands above your head, turn your head away and yell "OFF" one time only. After a few seconds she will get down. Instead of giving her attention you are ignoring her and refusing to reward her disruptive behavior.
It may take a long time for your dog to get the message. Especially if the rest of your family does not cooperate. But if you are consistent the dog will eventually get the point and accept attention on your terms.
2007-05-24 15:00:59 · answer #3 · answered by todd s 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If this is a family dog that you are only partially responsible for, you need to talk with other family members about making some changes and taking the dogs disruptive behavior seriously. having others that make a joke out of ill manners is not going to help!
I would suggest trying to crate train - a dog is never to old to start!
You may want to address the issue with the rest of the family first and try to devise a plan to deal with your dogs issues. If at all possibly, I would suggest consulting a professional trainer and having them give you and your family some tips!
2007-05-24 14:54:26 · answer #4 · answered by Shaunna L 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the other member of your family are going to encourage this disruptive behavior then there is not much you can do. Everyone has to be involved in the care of this dog, or she will do whatever she wants.
One possible solution would be crate training. When she starts to get disruptive, offer her the crate with a chew toy (NEVER use the crate as a punishment). She will get the idea that there is some mandatory quiet time in the house.
2007-05-24 14:53:10 · answer #5 · answered by searchpup 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First you have to id the cause of the barking often in herding breeds it is a combination of boredom, too much energy and not enough outlets and not being trained proper barking manners when young. The below links will outline this a bit. . If the issues is bad, you may want to contact a trainer and have them help you create a good no bark and discriminate barking program for your dog as well as an exericse and training regimen that will help ease boredon issues that lead to many undesired behaviors especially in very high energy breeds.
2007-05-24 15:00:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems to me that the family is more of a problem than the dog. Tell her 'Be Quiet!" in a firm voice,then ignore her. And if she keeps demanding excessive attention, show her a fly-swatter. Most pooches know by instinct what that is, and what it's for.
2007-05-24 14:53:33 · answer #7 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
OoooooooooooWeeeeeeeeeeee you just created a Monster, take her for the walk and leave it at that when she Yipe for attention one word command BAD!!! good luck
2007-05-24 14:52:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
It is all about training. I always give my babies a special long lasting treat when we have guests. It keeps them occupied so they do not bother guests.
2007-05-24 14:53:16 · answer #9 · answered by Robin C 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋