I bought him from a couple who was not taking very good care of him. He was matted and obviously needed attention. He was already housebroken and basic obedience trained when we got him. He was nippy with my oldest daughter who approaches him quickly. But now he craves all the attention and if left alone for some time, he will whine, cry, scratch the floor, basically throw a tantrum. He looks so pitifull sometimes I give in and stop doing whatever I have to do. I need advice on how to make him function in our family without feeling alone? Other than that he is angelic.
2007-06-27 09:38:59 · 14 answers · asked by mommyX4 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Quit giving in, it is that simple. The dog learns how to behave from you, and by giving in and rewarding that behavior, you teach it to behave that way.
2007-06-27 09:42:57 · answer #1 · answered by Atheist Geek 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to show him that you are the boss. When he whines constantly like that don't give in. That makes him think he can get away with that. Instead give him something to do like playing with a toy. My parents tought me that when you first get a puppy buy toys and let them know who's boss. The toys give him something to do when he isn't getting attention. Keep doggy toys near your desk or where ever you are in your house the most. That way if he whines dont stop what your doing just throw a toy. Most of the time puppies will follow them. If he doesnt follow it tell him no and to go lay down. After a while he should get the hint. Give him attention when he is being good. and when he listens tell him "good boy"
2007-06-27 16:59:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of times, a dog doesnt bark only for attention. He may be barking because he is bored. Give him lots of excercise! this will stop a lot of bad habits when he is at home.
Another thing is that he could just be used to whining and crying because of his neglect of the past home. you have to learn to ignore him. Immediatly when he stops whining, then give him a treat. He will associate being quite with a treat, and same for the floor scratching. Once he stops(after saying NO in an assertive voice) then give him a treat. It may take a little bit but it will work if you are consistent. I hope this helps you!
2007-06-27 16:47:17 · answer #3 · answered by kitamonster 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crate and ignore. You're reinforcing his insecurities by catering to his every whimper. Just like you would with a child who's having a temper tantrum, confine the animal (another room or better yet crate) and ignore until the dog is acting appropriately. Treat and praise when the dog is quiet and still. Do not reward bad behavior with attention.
2007-06-27 16:48:23 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My chihuahua puppy is the exact same way, she wasn't mistreated or anything, but she will throw a huge tantrum if she can't see what I'm doing for more than two seconds. Even if she's in her kennel in the bedroom, she still cries.
Just ignore him. He will eventually stop whining and that's when you give him attention. You dont' condone that behavior, it just makes it worse.
2007-06-27 16:47:56 · answer #5 · answered by Ky Li 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to show him that you will not always be there to help occupy his mind. It sound like he needs to be more independent. Try offering him more toys and things to keep him busy. If you give him attention EVERY time he asks for it, he will expect that you will do that EVERY time. It gets annoying, BELIEVE ME! I used to have a dog like that, too. Another thing you can do is just ignore him. I know it may seem harder than it sounds, and it can be an annoying process as well, but if he sees that you aren't going to give in, he'll eventually give up.
2007-06-27 16:45:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try not to pay any attention for the first few times. Increase the time by two minute every time he throws a tantrum. Don't react, do not reward him for any of his (bad)behaviour. I know its one of the hardest things on earth, but its for his own good.
2007-06-27 16:46:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to learn about dog behavior. You should enroll in a good puppy class. Already you are doing the wrong things and encouraging bad behavior. You need to learn.
2007-06-27 16:47:34 · answer #8 · answered by DaveSFV 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
leave him alone. the only way is to stop giving him the attention all the time. its kinda like a spoiled kid. my dog does the same some time, but she learned the word "move" and "no"--sounds mean but it works and he'll still love u, even with a little discipline. good luck!!!
2007-06-27 16:50:47 · answer #9 · answered by mr.z28 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your puppy is probably depressed because his past owners didn't notice him or take care of him, he has a lack of attention, puppies need to be taken care of more carefully then dogs, at a young age they are fragile and tend to need some tim to get used to new things.
2007-06-27 16:43:05 · answer #10 · answered by Love_Sara 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋