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1lostyankee · Jun 27, 2009, 05:04 AM

I searched the pet threads and was surprised not to find anything about this...

We have 2 male dogs (a beagle mix, 30 lbs, and an Australian Shepherd, 65 lbs) and they crave affection/attention ALL THE TIME. This is our only problem with them. They constantly want to be touched. They get insanely jealous when I give attention to our 15-yr old female terrier. I am so tired of telling them to go away, I wish they would just toughen up already - get used to the amount of affection they do get. And even when we do give them a lot of affection (which is not every day), it's still never enough.

They listen very well, except when people come visit. Their desire for attention is stronger than anything else. They will crowd the person and sometimes jump up. All I can think to do, since they won't listen to me, is hold them back or leash them temporarily. But at whatever point I let them go, they will crowd the person. I wish they were more like the terrier who sniffs them and then walks away.

How can we change this? (The beagle is 3 and the Aussie is 9.) Should we keep them away from us for a few hours each evening, like in another room or outside or in a crate?

Thanks so much.

tickle · Jun 27, 2009, 05:14 AM

You have to be the alpha, the pack leader and if you have ever seen a wolf pack react to this type of situation(all the alpha male has to do is look at the offending parties and all ceases) you would know what to do. They must respect your command, your will has to be stronger more direct so that they know all they are going to get is a pat on the head, scratch on the back and then a 'good dog' and a command that firmly states 'that is enough!'.

Now you are going to have to try and retrain, figure out how you are to become the alpha now so that you can love them, and they know it, even from a distance, like across the room.

Tick

Catsmine · Jun 27, 2009, 05:57 PM

I think you didn't look for the right titles on these threads. Look for "Training," which is what you and your animals need. It will actually involve spending MORE time with them, teaching them what their jobs are. Once they learn, they will be much happier and so will you. You might consider classes in your area, to learn how to teach your pups.

simoneaugie · Jun 27, 2009, 06:27 PM

Dogs are not like people, like we suppose. Dogs appreciate being told what to do. They do not need to be rewarded with a pet whenever they do something right. What they appreciate is you being strong (alpha) and consistent with them.

A dog training class may be really helpful. Just being around other owners, dogs and trainers can give you valuable perspective. Talking to a dog trainer, in person, about the specific problem you are having may get you over the hump.

Catsmine · Jun 28, 2009, 02:34 AM

Originally Posted by simoneaugie

Dogs are not like people, like we suppose. Dogs appreciate being told what to do. They do not need to be rewarded with a pet whenever they do something right.

Good advice but I am not in total agreement about their need for positive reinforcement. A "pet" isn't the only kind, but it is a good one. They do need to know they have made you happy.

1lostyankee · Jun 28, 2009, 10:10 AM

I read a great training book by Jon Katz called "Katz on Dogs." I guess we can't teach them what their jobs are if we don't even know. The Australian Shepherd has nothing to do, we don't have anything for him to "herd" and right now it's 90 degrees every day so he can't be outside much. We have tried to teach him the simplest things, but he doesn't want to do anything except lay down and be touched.

In this day and age I don't understand what a dog's job is, what are we supposed to teach them to do?

tickle · Jun 28, 2009, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by 1lostyankee

In this day and age I don't understand what a dog's job is, what are we supposed to teach them to do?

Good question lost, but I guess we are supposed to teach them to be a member of the family actually. A member of the family that can accept us for what we are and love and trust us; to protect us the way we protect them. That is what came to my mind initially.

It is a shame though, as you say, that you have an Australian sheep dog with nothing to herd, but I bet she hasn't forgotten what she was born to do, and if a herd of sheep or cattle came down your street, those ears would perk up and she would be right there doing her job.

We just love them for who they are and what we expect them to be, good friends.

Tick