Curbing overly-needy behavior

[Jaynie]

I noticed tonight when I got home and let the dogs out of their crates, as they were getting their obligatory I'm back home petting, that Gracie has developed an annoying habit that deprives Bela of her rightful attention.

Bela has exquisitely polite Sheltie dog manners. She'll stand her ground and give warnings when appropriate. She's basically a very laid back Sheltie.

Gracie has made it a habit to shove Bela out of the way, even though she's haft her size. She whines constantly, and essentially is a velcro dog. She's a sweet little girl, but she's driving us nuts with all the whining and rudeness to Bela.

Does anyone have any ideas how I can direct her behavior in a more positive direction? She's extremely intelligent and learns very quickly. She's a good dog, but this is driving me crazy!

 

[Caro]

I've got one of those! Deska drives me nuts with his velcro attachment. And his butt coul be registered as a lethal weapon - he is so good at using it to push other dogs (incl Tully) out of the way without them even realising.

I spent a lot of time training the velcro out of Deska, but I must admit its something I have to keep up or he slips back into the behaviour.

Patricial McConnell has some good ideas in her booklets (like I'll be home soon and Feeling Outnumbered). A couple of other things I've been shown by behaviourists is to get into a routine of giving them attention. We mainly do this in the evening so they get turns in having mummy time. Also I was told not to give attention whenever he seeks it - which is hard to do when you've got a snout resting on your leg with big brown eyes looking up at you!

 

[mellie]

Well, you could let Bela out of her crate first and give her the "hello hug",then Gracie next. Then you could put them both in the down position and have Gracie wait while you love on Bela, then make Bela wait as you love on Gracie. Maybe a little treat for the dog that's waiting would seal the deal. Sally will have her snout resting on my knee for attention too and so I will redirect her to come up on my chair to lay beside me. Sometimes , though ,she really wants to play fetch and if it suits me i will, if only for a few tosses of her ball.She will play ball or tug until she is ready to drop. I like Sally initiating "conversation" with me and want to keep the lines of communication open. She will follow me from room to room and watch and sniff whatever I am doing. Now I like this,but I realize some folks might not like their dog that involved in everything. I work fulltime, 11 hours a shift some days, so i am glad to be home and spending time with Sally and Pumpkin. My kids are all grown and out of the house so my pets have taken up that spot somewhat. I am fascinated by animal behavior, too. I am trying , and i stress trying, to look at problems as something to work through-like a problem to solved, not a problem to be avoided or dread. I will get off my soap box now...sorry

 

[OntarioSheltie]

I've had a similar issue with Ginny, though not quite to your extent. Ginny is more bossy than a velcro dog, but she had a tendency to be rude in a similar way when she wants something before the other dogs.

Sadie likes to have her cuddle time with Mom and Ginny would decide it was her turn. Ginny, who doesn't believe in personal space, will then jump on top of Sadie because she knows that Sadie will get insulted and move (Its actually pretty comical, hehe).

When Ginny does super rude things like this, she's immediately kicked off and ignored until its her turn for attention. Ginny loves her attention so it didn't take long for her to figure out she'd get it quicker if she politely waited her turn. She gets lots more pats for being patient and polite.

Could you do something with Gracie? Maybe when she's rude to Bela remove her from the room completely for a short while (like, 10 seconds maybe to start). Let her back in the room but ignore her for a few seconds before loving her up and praising her for waiting patiently.