Kingdom of Pets

Posted by chartersb
Jul 23, 2009

We rescued a large yellow lab about 6 months ago. He's supposedly 3 years old. I work every day and when I come home, the dog is very happy to see me. After dinner, I take him on a long walk (probably over 1 mile) to a neighboring field where I can let him of leash. He's pretty tired on our walk home. But when we get home, he won't leave me alone. He'll sit in front of me when I'm on the sofa, he'll put his paw on my lap. Last night we had friends stop by and he wouldn't leave me alone.

I had him "sit" "down" and "stay" then would give him little treats. As soon as the treats stopped, he'd be up again. I couldn't carry on a conversation with our friends. He demands a lot of attention even when we don't have guests.

One of these friends isn't crazy about dogs. So, of course, my dog kept going up to her and putting his head on her lap and licking her arm. Disgusting!

HELP!!

Posted by KOPsarah
Aug 1, 2009

Hi charters_b and thanks for your post,
It sounds like you have a really nice dog and are just having some attention seeking issues and perhaps some slight dominance issues because lower pack members should not be hassling pack leaders for attention, pack leaders decided when attention is given out and to whom. I would start by either introducing or continuing alpha-dog training (refer to your secrets of dog training book again for a refresher or download the full guide from the premium downloads area). Also it is important that when your dog is attention seeking your ignore its behavior. If simply ignoring it does not work you will need to use the time out method. As soon as your dog starts attention seeking behavior with you or anyone else quickly and quietly remove it to another room for a three minute time out. After this let it back in the room with you as if nothing happened. Repeat this every time your dog is too demanding. It is also important to give your dog quiet praise and treats when he is behaving well for example lying quietly on the floor rather than with his head on your lap. Giving your dog toys and chews to keep him occupied while you have guests over should also help.

It may take a bit of work at first but your dog should soon get the message that you will give it lots of attention but only when it suits you because you are pack leader. Hope this helps.

All the best,

Dot not always in my face