Does your dog constantly whine or stare at you with an intense gaze? Or, has your dog recently been sticking with you or continually pawing or nudging at you? These ways of asking attention are adorable at first, but after a while, it turns into a habit and can get pretty annoying for you as well.

As a pet parent, understanding these ways of communication can be quite confusing. However, it is necessary to analyze the reason behind such pleading and address it for the emotional well-being of your feline companion. Let’s explore more about the reasons behind dog begging and how you can put an end to your dog’s pleading. 

What can be the Causes for attention-seeking 

Food

Dogs have sensitive noses, i.e. they can smell the food even if it’s out of sight. Usually, these are small behaviors that owners make their dogs adopt without their knowing. For example, your dog smells the food and comes to the kitchen. You gave them a piece of something you are cooking. They will associate those foods with begging for attention. These behaviors will later change into learned behaviors that require management and elimination. 

Boredom

Dogs are those kind of animals that are content with physical and mental stimulation. When you cannot make your dog content, they become bored. For example, you don’t take your dogs to walk or play with them. You do not engage them in any mental stimulation like puzzle games, finding food, etc. They will have a lot of time and energy level. So to fill such boredom they will ask for attention. 

Separation Anxiety

When your dog has prior trauma relating to separation then they tend to ask for more attention. For instance, your dog has been abandoned by their previous owner. Now, even when you leave your dog for a short period, they start to whine or bark, asking for your attention. This is because of separation anxiety. Your dog will start to follow you everywhere and stick with you for constant reassurance. 

Lack of Routine

When you do not have a specific routine of meals, exercise, play, and rest, your dog will think that they need to communicate their needs to you. So, lack of routine makes them beg for your attention to fulfil their needs.

ky 22 Dog Begging for Attention? How to Stop Their Pleading Habit

How does asking for attention become an annoying habit for dogs?

Dogs try various methods to beg for your attention. When you react to some of their responses and give them attention, they will figure out that begging works, and it becomes their learned behaviors or habit.

For instance, you are watching TV, and your dog suddenly starts to whine. You divert your attention from watching TV and acknowledge their whine by simply patting them. Your dogs will figure out that whining works as a begging process for attention. So, every time when they need attention, they will whine, and it becomes a learned behavior. 

Key Behavior of dog Begging for attention

Nudging

Another way of asking for attention is nudging. When your dog nudges or leans against you, they are simply asking for some tender love and care. 

Pawing

When your furry friend paws at you or puts their paws over your hand, it is their way of saying, “I am here; give me some attention”. 

Bringing Their Toys

Sometimes, your dog can bring their toys or some of their favorite things to you. They are not just giving you these things but trying to communicate that it’s playtime. Bringing their toys means they want you to interact with them.

Staring at You

You may have noticed that your dog stares at you by tilting their head with an intense gaze. Calm down! They are not plotting anything against you, but they are just waiting for you to respond to them subtly.

Whining 

Another way dogs ask for acknowledgment is by whining. When you are focused on something else, and your dog needs your attention, then they tend to complain. Another reason for whining is anxiety. They may whine as they want you to communicate their anxiety and stress. 

Jumping 

Sometimes, you may notice that your dog suddenly jumps up on you when you are busy doing something else. This is an act of asking for immediate attention. 

Read more: How to groom dogs 

How to Stop Dog Begging

Ignore Begging 

If your dog whines, paws you, nudges you or stares at you, do not immediately respond to their behaviors. If previously you have reacted to their attention-seeking behavior, then they might think you will immediately respond to their behavior. 

Since you are not immediately responding to them, they may paw harder, whine, or bark louder. Even in these situations, do not give in quickly as they may misunderstand that if they try harder, you will eventually give in. However, start with ignoring them for a short period. Usually, pet owners try doing all or nothing, which can be too much for their dog. So ignore them for a shorter period and gradually increase the time.

Provide Physical and Mental Stimulation 

Another way of stopping your dog’s begging behavior is to keep them occupied. Usually, dogs tend to ask for attention when they are bored, under-stimulated, or when they smell food. You can distract them with puzzle toys or other mental stimulation games.

Likewise, try feeding your dog at the same time while you are eating. You can keep their meals in dispensing toys, which can keep them occupied while you are having lunch or dinner. You can hide their dry food under mats or furniture. Similarly, you can give them chew toys or other games while you are going out to make phone calls. 

Reward Alternative Behavior 

Usually, dogs have specific patterns of attention-seeking. Some dogs can whine and bark, while some may stare at you. Firstly, you will need to understand their attention-seeking behaviour. Then, you will have to think of an alternative behavior that you want to reinforce when they are begging for attention. 

For instance, when your dog barks for attention, you can ask them to settle down in a crate. If your dog does so, you can reward them with treats. They will associate the reward with settling down in the crate, which can manage the pleading behavior of dogs. 

Give Yourself Some Space

Your dog may try to place their face on your lap or table while you are eating. Discourage their behavior and keep them away. You may settle down your dogs in a crate and distract them with some puzzles or chew toys. 

Maintain Routine

You have to create and maintain a consistent routine for your dog’s meals, play, exercise, and rest time. Your dog will not ask for attention if all of their needs are fulfilled. If you maintain a consistent routine, then your dog will believe that their needs will be met and stop asking for attention. 

Conclusion

One of the essential factors of pet training is addressing the bad behavior of your dogs. Unmanaged attention-seeking habits of a dog can not only negatively impact your dog but also drain you out mentally and emotionally. So, with the right method and strategy, these behavior corrections should be done on time to make your furry friend happy and content. 

Hence, understanding your furry friend will definitely enhance their well-being and overall health. For more informative information about your feline companion, stay tuned with Littlefurr.

FAQs

  1. Should I punish my dog if they start to plead for attention?

No, begging for attention is a way of communicating with their owners. If you punish your dog when they are pleading for attention, it can confuse them and induce anxiety and stress too. 

2. Is dog begging bad behavior?

Dog begging is not always bad behaviour. Your dogs can beg when they seriously need your help. For instance, your dog may whine when they are in pain or discomfort. However, if your dog is begging for attention as a kerned behavior then it can be considered bad behavior.

3. Is begging a sign that my dog is hungry?

No, begging is always not a sign of hunger in dogs. Your dogs can beg for attention out of boredom or anxiety.

4. How can I distract my dog from begging?

You can engage your dog with some physical and mental stimulation games and exercise to distract them from begging.

5. Is it cruel to ignore my dog when they are begging for attention?

No, it is not cruel to ignore your dog when they are begging for attention. You are ignoring your dog so that they do not associate your attention with gaining whatever they want. However, you have to start ignoring for a short period and gradually increase the time.

6. Can training help to reduce begging habits in dogs?

Yes, training will definitely help to reduce begging habits in dogs. However, you should be consistent while training your dog. 

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