Attention-Seeking Behaviours in Dogs and How to Stop Them
- Oct 21
- 4 min read
Just like humans, dogs crave attention and connection. It’s part of what makes them so loyal and emotionally intelligent. But when attention becomes a demand rather than a request — constant barking, pawing, nudging, whining, or even destructive behaviour — it can quickly turn into a problem.
Understanding why your dog seeks attention excessively is the first step towards helping them relax, gain independence, and communicate in a healthy way.
Why Dogs Develop Attention-Seeking Behaviour
Attention-seeking behaviour is often misunderstood as “naughtiness,” but it’s actually a symptom — not the problem itself. Here are the most common underlying causes:
1. Boredom and Lack of Mental Stimulation
Dogs are intelligent animals. When their brain isn’t challenged, they look for ways to entertain themselves — and if pawing your leg gets a reaction, that becomes their new favourite game.
2. Inconsistent Boundaries
If a dog learns that whining or pawing sometimes works (“just this once”), it reinforces the behaviour. Dogs repeat what works, and even one moment of attention can reward unwanted behaviour.
3. Separation Anxiety or Insecurity
Dogs who struggle being alone or feel unsure of their place in the family can become overly clingy. They might follow you from room to room, panic when ignored, or constantly demand reassurance.
4. Reinforced Habit
Over time, attention-seeking can become a learned habit. Even negative attention — like being told “no” or pushed away — can still be rewarding because it means the dog achieved their goal: getting your focus.
Common Examples of Attention-Seeking Behaviour
Pawing or nudging your hand
Whining, barking, or howling for no reason
Stealing objects (like socks) to provoke a chase
Jumping up constantly
Pacing or circling when ignored
“Fake” asking to go outside or eat just to get a reaction
These behaviours may seem small, but if ignored for too long, they can create tension in the home and even trigger reactivity or frustration in some dogs.
How to Stop Attention-Seeking Behaviour
The goal isn’t to ignore your dog completely — it’s to teach them that calm, patient behaviour earns your attention, not pushy or demanding actions.
1. Reward Calmness, Not Chaos
Whenever your dog lies quietly or entertains themselves, praise them softly or offer a treat. Calm behaviour needs to be more rewarding than the dramatic ones.
👉 Tip: Try catching them being good — that’s when real learning happens.
2. Ignore Demanding Behaviour (Completely!)
When your dog whines, paws, or barks for attention, do not look, touch, or speak to them. Even eye contact can be rewarding.Once they calm down — even for a second — give them gentle praise or attention. This teaches them that calmness, not noise, gets results.
3. Create Structure and Predictability
Dogs thrive on routine. Schedule play, training, and cuddle sessions so your dog knows when attention is coming. It reduces anxiety and helps them settle during quiet periods.
4. Provide Enrichment and Exercise
Many attention-seeking dogs simply have too much energy and too little stimulation. Add:
Scent games (hide treats around the house)
Chew toys and puzzle feeders
Structured walks or obedience training
These activities keep their mind and body engaged — leaving less room for attention-demanding behaviour.
5. Teach the “Settle” Command
This is one of the most powerful exercises for dogs who can’t relax.Start by rewarding your dog when they naturally lie down calmly. Then, name it “settle” and build it into short sessions where your dog learns to relax on cue.
6. Avoid Emotional Reactions
Yelling or getting frustrated can make things worse. From your dog’s perspective, shouting is still attention. Stay calm, consistent, and confident.
7. Rule Out Medical Causes
If your dog suddenly becomes clingy or starts behaving unusually, contact your vet. Pain, stress, or cognitive decline can also cause changes in behaviour.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried consistency and structure but the behaviour persists, or if your dog becomes anxious or reactive when ignored, it may be time for professional help.
A behaviourist can assess whether attention-seeking is linked to deeper emotional issues such as anxiety, insecurity, or trauma. With the right plan, it’s possible to rebuild balance, confidence, and peace in your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Contact me here if you need help addressing your dog’s attention-seeking behaviour. I’ll guide you through a tailored, positive training plan designed to strengthen your bond and restore calm in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should I ignore my dog completely if they seek attention?
Not forever — just during the behaviour itself. Once your dog calms down, reward that calmness with gentle attention. This teaches emotional control and patience.
2. Is attention-seeking behaviour a sign of separation anxiety?
Sometimes, yes. Dogs with separation issues often cling to their owners or panic when ignored. If your dog shows distress when left alone, it might go deeper than simple attention-seeking.
3. What’s the difference between affection and rewarding attention-seeking?
Affection is fine when it’s on your terms — when your dog is calm, quiet, and relaxed. The key is that you decide when attention happens, not your dog.
4. How long does it take to fix this behaviour?
Every dog is different. With consistency, you can see improvement in a few weeks, but deeply reinforced habits may take a couple of months to change completely.
5. Can training games help reduce attention-seeking?
Absolutely! Training builds confidence and gives your dog structured ways to earn attention. Obedience cues like “stay,” “go to bed,” and “settle” teach emotional control.
Final Thoughts
Attention-seeking behaviour can be frustrating, but it’s also a sign of a dog who loves and needs you. The key is teaching them to feel secure even when they’re not the centre of attention.
With patience, structure, and the right balance of enrichment and calm training, your dog can learn that peace is more rewarding than demand — and your relationship will become stronger because of it.
If you’d like professional support tailored to your dog’s needs, get in touch here — I’ll be happy to help.
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