| Most pets quickly discover they
will be rewarded with your attention when they
misbehave. A dog lying quietly in a corner is
frequently ignored, but you become upset when it
chews on your expensive new shoes. The dog may
overlook the fact that you are unhappy about its
behavior and focus on the discovery of how
effectively it attracted your attention. A dog that
does not have enough positive interaction with its
owner may resort to objectionable attention-seeking
behavior.
Young pets learn to distinguish acceptable and
unacceptable behavior. If your dog has discovered
how to get your attention by behaving destructively,
consider how to undo the undesirable pattern you
have helped create. If your dog has learned that you
will chase it when it has grabbed your glove, for
example, do not chase the dog the next time it tries
this. Your dog will not care whether you are
laughing or shouting angrily, as long as you engage
in the game. Instead, ignore the dog, as difficult
as this may be.
Do not make eye contact, move toward or look at
your pet. Avoid giving any type of attention. If you
must, leave the room. This response will be
unexpected and completely contrary to what your pet
desires. The dog may even abandon the object and
come in search of you (if so, give the dog abundant
praise). |
