Puppies love attention. They crave for it, they cry for it, and when they get it, they will do anything to keep that attention focused on them. Your puppy does not care if the attention that you are giving him is in response to something positive or something negative. All he cares about is getting attention from you.
Let's say that you're trying to have a nice, peaceful dinner, but your puppy keeps jumping up and down, standing like a prairie dog right in front of you to get your attention. When you try to correct him by pushing him down or yelling “Off!”, he just gets more and more excited and continues to jump up and down. He's doing so because you just responded to his behavior.
By yelling at him and pushing him down, you are actually giving him what he wants. You are answering to his needs whether you realize it or not. The response (attention) that you gave him, even though it's not positive, motivates your puppy to keep going because he knows that whatever he's doing is working.
Here is another example. Your puppy gets a hold of your key chain and starts running around the house with it. What do you do? You stop whatever it is you are doing and start chasing him. Your puppy does not register chasing as a form of discipline. In his mind, you are either playing with him or that whatever he has must be really good because you want it. So he will keep on running until you stop or one of you eventually gets tired of playing chase.
To your puppy, attention can be as simple as giving him a smile. This acknowledgment is saying to him that what he is doing is right. The reason for this is because puppies think that we are just like them. Therefore, when your puppy gets excited and you respond back by getting excited, whether it is positive emotion or negative emotion, your puppy will think that you are following his lead, which further reinforces his behavior.
The fact that you are upset with your puppy's action does not represent anything to him. His reaction is based on your body contact and excitement. Even if you yell at him and then push him hard, he will most likely stop and walk away. However, the only thing that you have accomplished is scaring him. It is possible to train your puppy without having to establish fear.
Show your puppy that the way for him to get your attention is through positive behavior. The best time to do this is when he is calm and resting or chewing on a bone peacefully. Slowly go to him and give him a gentle pat or a soft belly rub while whispering a warm praise. Eventually, your puppy will realize that being calm and quiet is what gets him the attention he wants. He will then repeat the behavior of what you are paying attention to.
Make Your Dog Roll In Ecstasy By Following These 3 Tummy Rubbing Tips
Many dogs will literally roll on their backs, put their paws up, and demand that you rub...
make_your_dog_roll_in_ecstasy_by_following_these_3_tummy_rubbing_tips.php
Dog Pregnancy 2 Common Questions Asked Regarding Dog Supplements
“If I purchased supplements in tablet form, and I cannot get my dog to ingest them, is it okay if I crush them up a...
dog_pregnancy___2_common_questions_asked_regarding_dog_supplements.php
Finally, I Now Understand Why The Mailman Drives My Dog Crazy! (part 2)
Leave A Dog Treat For The Mailman...
finally,_i_now_understand_why_the_mailman_drives_my_dog_crazy!_(part_2).php
Why Do Some Dogs Gobble Up Their Food At Lightening Speed
Either way, some dogs will tend to eat as fast as they possibly can. There is a genetic reason for this a...
why_do_some_dogs_gobble_up_their_food_at_lightening_speed.php
Good Solid Advice When Traveling With Your Dog By Car (part 1)
1. Be sure that your dog's vaccinations and other shots are currently up-to-date....
good_solid_advice_when_traveling_with_your_dog_by_car_(part_1).php
Dog Intelligence Learn Why Adult Dogs Can Lose Up To 25% Of Their Brain Mass
A puppy's brain may be fully developed, but their ability to learn and t...
dog_intelligence___learn_why_adult_dogs_can_lose_up_to_25%_of_their_brain_mass.php
Puppy Training Start By Getting Your Puppy To Follow You With ôcome, Let's Goö
By spending a lot of time alone with your new puppy you...
puppy_training___start_by_getting_your_puppy_to_follow_you_with_ôcome,_let's_goö.php
Adopting A Shelter Dog Learn The Most Common Behavioral Problem You May Face
When a dog is hyperactive it is usually the result ...
adopting_a_shelter_dog___learn_the_most_common_behavioral_problem_you_may_face.php
Dog Toys Go Cheap When Coming Up With Toys For Your Dog
There is a downside to showering your dog with lots of toys though, and that is that they can get ver...
dog_toys___go_cheap_when_coming_up_with_toys_for_your_dog.php
Scent Marking Your Dog's Favorite Way To Communicate
One very popular way a dog communicates wit...
scent_marking___your_dog's_favorite_way_to_communicate.php
Dog Breeds Understanding The Hound Group
Scent Hounds...
dog_breeds___understanding_the_hound_group.php
Dog-Resources
...
Dog-Resources.php
Dog Pregnancy 3 Common Questions Regarding Vitamin Mineral Supplementation
“Where should I purchase these dog supplements?”...
dog_pregnancy___3_common_questions_regarding_vitamin_mineral_supplementation.php
Why Do Some Dogs Get Mad & Snap When Having Their Ears Rubbed
For these dogs, the feeling of having their ears r...
why_do_some_dogs_get_mad_&_snap_when_having_their_ears_rubbed.php
Hiking With Your Dog 3 Dangers Every Dog Owner Must Guard Against
For example, in the northern part of the US, many hunters set bait designed to trap fur-type species. Woodland do...
hiking_with_your_dog___3_dangers_every_dog_owner_must_guard_against.php
Dog Pregnancy 4 Supplementation Tips For Pregnant Dogs
2. In addition to the above recommendation of starting your female dog on supplements, one of the most im...
dog_pregnancy___4_supplementation_tips_for_pregnant_dogs.php
Breed Rescue Volunteers & The Wonderful Work They Do
Breed rescue groups are a phenomenal movement that is made up of people who have a passion to help rescu...
breed_rescue_volunteers_&_the_wonderful_work_they_do.php
Puppy Training Introducing Your New Puppy To Going Up & Down The Staircase
Using a short stairway in the beginning will prevent your puppy from lite...
puppy_training___introducing_your_new_puppy_to_going_up_&_down_the_staircase.php
Bathing Your Dog 3 Simple Tips To Help Keep Your Sanity
1. Preparation is key and the last thing you want to expe...
bathing_your_dog___3_simple_tips_to_help_keep_your_sanity.php
The Amazing Healing Power Of Dog Saliva
For centuries people have noticed that dogs always lick their wounds when they...
the_amazing_healing_power_of_dog_saliva.php
Dog Leash Training Teaching Your Dog The Let's Go Command
Because new puppies are easily distracted by anything and everything around them, it is im...
dog_leash_training___teaching_your_dog_the__let's_go_command.php
Dog Breeds Understanding The Non Sporting Groups
Dogs that are placed in this group were originally de...
dog_breeds___understanding_the_non_sporting_groups.php
Hiking In The Mountains With Your Dog Be Prepared For These Imminent Dangers
Mountain Lookouts & Dangerous Cliffs...
hiking_in_the_mountains_with_your_dog___be_prepared_for_these_imminent_dangers.php
Dog Breeds Understanding The Toy Group
Although these dogs are delicates, most of them are generally healthy and tend to be...
dog_breeds___understanding_the_toy_group.php
3 Tips To Prevent Your Dog From Scent Marking His Territory
As normal a behavioral characteristic as th...
3_tips_to_prevent_your_dog_from_scent_marking_his_territory.php
Finally, I Now Understand Why The Mailman Drives My Dog Crazy! (part 1)
It Comes Down To Territory...
finally,_i_now_understand_why_the_mailman_drives_my_dog_crazy!_(part_1).php
Clicker Training What Is So Special About Using A Clicker To Train My Dog
What Is A Clicker?...
clicker_training___what_is_so_special_about_using_a_clicker_to_train_my_dog.php
Is It Necessary To Take My Dog To The Vet Every Time He Gets Hurt
Because they are so active and enjoy running outdoors, sometimes a limp can be the result of just a mi...
is_it_necessary_to_take_my_dog_to_the_vet_every_time_he_gets_hurt.php
Dog Tricks How To Get Your Dog To Jump Into Your Lap On Command
Most dogs love to nestle in your lap. However, as your dog gets bigger he is ...
dog_tricks___how_to_get_your_dog_to_jump_into_your_lap_on_command.php
Dog Health Care 4 Ways To Reduce The Cost Of Taking Care Of Your Dog
But I can tell you from firsthand experience that providing h...
dog_health_care___4_ways_to_reduce_the_cost_of_taking_care_of_your_dog.php
Dog Leash Training Tip Use A Diversion To Keep Your Dog's Attention
Such distractions can include other cats and dogs that are roaming the streets, interesting looking fir...
dog_leash_training_tip___use_a_diversion_to_keep_your_dog's_attention.php
Dog Breeds Understanding The Terrier Group
There are two types of terriers – The fighters and the vermin hunters....
dog_breeds___understanding_the_terrier_group.php
Dog Pregnancy Using Temperature To Determine The Signs Of Whelping
When they are first pregnant, female dogs may not show any external signs of...
dog_pregnancy___using_temperature_to_determine_the_signs_of_whelping.php
Dog Breeds Understanding The Working Group
Rescue Dogs...
dog_breeds___understanding_the_working_group.php
8 Signs That Your Dog Is Suffering From Heat Exhaustion
When people are vigorously active outdoors during the summertime when the weathe...
8_signs_that_your_dog_is_suffering_from_heat_exhaustion.php
Exercising Your Dog In Cold Temperatures 4 Tips To Keep Him Healthy & Injury Free
Below are a few exercise and safety tips that will he...
exercising_your_dog_in_cold_temperatures___4_tips_to_keep_him_healthy_&_injury_free.php
Puppy Training Phobias û Do You Have Them
If you fall into this category of a new dog owner w...
puppy_training_phobias_û_do_you_have_them.php
Buying A New Puppy Should You Choose A Newborn Or A Matured Puppy
When getting young puppy, you have to consider several factors. Puppies that are less than 8 weeks ol...
buying_a_new_puppy___should_you_choose_a_newborn_or_a_matured_puppy.php
Dog Shows What Exactly Is A Dog Show
A dog show is basically an elimination-type tournament that consists of many rounds and semifinal rounds ...
dog_shows___what_exactly_is_a_dog_show.php
Dog Breeds Understanding The Herding Group
There are seven standard group of dog breeds that are assigned...
dog_breeds___understanding_the_herding_group.php
Neat Dog Tricks How To Train Your Dog To Round Up The Dirty Laundry
“But what if my dog is a laundry thief and has a bad habit of grabbing any piece of clothing he can find and hiding it...
neat_dog_tricks___how_to_train_your_dog_to_round_up_the_dirty_laundry.php
What Happens When A Dog Goes Through A False Pregnancy
What can cause a dog to have a false pregnancy? The current research studies offer the notion that false...
what_happens_when_a_dog_goes_through_a_false_pregnancy.php
Dog Breeds Understanding The Sporting Group
Retrievers...
dog_breeds___understanding_the_sporting_group.php
Good Solid Advice When Traveling With Your Dog By Car (part 2)
To minimize this stress you can bring along items th...
good_solid_advice_when_traveling_with_your_dog_by_car_(part_2).php
Dog Owners With Arthritis Ease Your Pain With These 7 Dog Care Tips
There are many ways that you can relieve your pain and not irritate your condition when it comes to dog care. Below ...
dog_owners_with_arthritis___ease_your_pain_with_these_7_dog_care_tips.php
Neat Dog Tricks Invite Him To The Dinner Table
Why should you teach your dog to learn this trick? Well if you are li...
neat_dog_tricks___invite_him_to_the_dinner_table.php
Does Your Dog Pee Every Time You Arrive Home A Quick Fix To Urine Greeting
This behavior should be tended to immediately. Not only does it do damage to your house ...
does_your_dog_pee_every_time_you_arrive_home___a_quick_fix_to_urine_greeting.php
Understanding How Useful A Dog's Sense Of Hearing & Touch Really Is
Some dogs have a much stronger sense of hearing than others. In f...
understanding_how_useful_a_dog's_sense_of_hearing_&_touch_really_is.php
Hiking With Your Dog 2 Common Dangers That You Must Keep Your Dog From
However, as much fun and excitement it is for your dog to be running wild out in n...
hiking_with_your_dog___2_common_dangers_that_you_must_keep_your_dog_from.php
Is Your Dog Losing His Hearing 4 Ways You Can Keep Your Dog Safe
If your dog is experiencing loss of hearing t...
is_your_dog_losing_his_hearing___4_ways_you_can_keep_your_dog_safe.php
