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FirstYorkie · 02-09-2006, 12:38 PM

Well, I think the first thing you have to do is decide WHEN it is acceptable for him to ask for attention and when it it not. Be clear about it in your head so that you can be consistent. You also need to figure out HOW it is acceptable for him to ask for attention. And, it would be best if you also figured out WHAT you would like for him to do instead in those situations that it is not okay for him to demand attention.

The number one rule is do not reward behavior that is unacceptable to you. If barking for attention is unacceptable, NEVER give him attention when he barks. Barking dog = invisible dog. The minute he's quiet = you are the best dog ever!!!

I'll give you some examples of how I handle it with Joey. Because I tend to sit at my kitchen table while I'm on the laptop for long periods of time, it is okay with me if he nudges me with a toy for me to throw or play tug-of-war with while I continue what I'm doing. If he sits the toy down beside me and whines, I hold down my hand and tell him to hand it to me (which he does). In those situations, I then hold the toy while he tugs on it and throw it for him when he lets go. If he barks, I ignore him. Barking doesn't pay.

It is not okay with me for him to solicit attention while we are sitting at the same table eating a meal. He's now been taught to lay on his "blankie" (a towel) for long periods while we eat. He's not yet to the point of staying there the whole meal, but several prompts (& several rewards!) get us through.

The only time that I'm okay with him barking at me is when his water bowl is empty. When he stands by it and barks, I do respond! Otherwise, barking doesn't get him anything.

There are 2 principles here to keep in mind 1) behavior that is reinforced increases in frequency. If you reward barking (like with attention) barking will increase. If you reward a quiet down, quiet downs increase in frequency. The second is: Train an alternate, incompatible behavior. He can't scratch your legs if you put him in a down.

Does that help any?

02-09-2006, 12:38 PM	#2
FirstYorkie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: American in London Posts: 1,739	Well, I think the first thing you have to do is decide WHEN it is acceptable for him to ask for attention and when it it not. Be clear about it in your head so that you can be consistent. You also need to figure out HOW it is acceptable for him to ask for attention. And, it would be best if you also figured out WHAT you would like for him to do instead in those situations that it is not okay for him to demand attention. The number one rule is do not reward behavior that is unacceptable to you. If barking for attention is unacceptable, NEVER give him attention when he barks. Barking dog = invisible dog. The minute he's quiet = you are the best dog ever!!! I'll give you some examples of how I handle it with Joey. Because I tend to sit at my kitchen table while I'm on the laptop for long periods of time, it is okay with me if he nudges me with a toy for me to throw or play tug-of-war with while I continue what I'm doing. If he sits the toy down beside me and whines, I hold down my hand and tell him to hand it to me (which he does). In those situations, I then hold the toy while he tugs on it and throw it for him when he lets go. If he barks, I ignore him. Barking doesn't pay. It is not okay with me for him to solicit attention while we are sitting at the same table eating a meal. He's now been taught to lay on his "blankie" (a towel) for long periods while we eat. He's not yet to the point of staying there the whole meal, but several prompts (& several rewards!) get us through. The only time that I'm okay with him barking at me is when his water bowl is empty. When he stands by it and barks, I do respond! Otherwise, barking doesn't get him anything. There are 2 principles here to keep in mind 1) behavior that is reinforced increases in frequency. If you reward barking (like with attention) barking will increase. If you reward a quiet down, quiet downs increase in frequency. The second is: Train an alternate, incompatible behavior. He can't scratch your legs if you put him in a down. Does that help any? __________________ FirstYorkie We Love Clicker-Training!