Dogs constantly seek both our attention and our affection. Intelligent or demanding dogs learn quickly how to get it, but sometimes it can all get a bit too much.

Many dogs learn to get our undivided attention through excessive barking, jumping up and pawing, biting the lead, stealing forbidden items, stereotypical behaviours such as tail-chasing, and even aggression. In fact, inappropriate attention-seeking behaviour is a common clinical diagnosis for dogs referred to behaviourists.

Behaviour needs to be 'unlearned'
Dogs learn how to behave - and this learning only takes place when behaviour is reinforced in some way. It can be helpful if you can recognise the ways in which you reward out-of-control attention seeking, even if you don't know you're doing it. For example, a dog might bark when you're on the phone. This annoying habit is often ignored, except for occasional reprimands to be quiet. The barking continues because (a) it achieves results - your call is interrupted and (b) quiet behaviour is ignored and rarely rewarded for its own sake. By understanding the principles, it becomes easier to rectify the behaviour.

Basic training
In general, dogs should learn and practice the basic obedience exercises, especially the 'sit', 'down,' 'stay', and 'heel' commands. Keep the exercises up! It is also very important to be consistent - if behaviour is corrected once, it should be corrected all the time. Dogs should be asked to 'sit' before getting anything they want, whether it's attention, petting, food, or play.

Lead control
Dogs that jump, leap, and run out of reach should be kept on a lead any time a problem is anticipated. This is far better than trying to put the lead on after the bad behaviour has begun. For example, if your dog jumps up on visitors, attach the lead before you open the door so you can control and correct the behaviour if necessary.

Stimulate your dog
Dogs that resort to attention-seeking sometimes lack adequate physical and mental stimulation. Attention should be given little and often throughout the day. And when you don't give any, get your dog used to being ignored (i.e. no eye contact, touch, speaking, etc.). All contact with the dog must be initiated and ended by you.

Reward!
Dogs learn quickly to behave if 'good' behaviour is rewarded, and 'bad' behaviour is ignored.

If the problem still persists, ask your vet for assistance or for referral to a behavioural specialist - particularly if your dog gets aggressive. With understanding, consistency and patience, you can regain control and be successful in teaching your dog a better way to get attention.