View Full Version : Do dogs act out for attention?
Do dogs act out like children do?
Over the last 2 months, my dog has started crying all the time. I'll take him out for a half hour run, then go inside and go into my room for a nap. He'll sit outside my door and cry for 2 hours. My girlfriend was over, so it's not like he's lonely.
Now he's taken to misbehaving, right in front of me. He'll eat out of the cat's bowl or out of the garbage right in front of me. He knows he's not allowed, and even seems to expect the punishment, but continues to do it.
Is this his way of asking for attention? What else would it be?
1 1/2 year old boxer.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4256551273_0cb638df43.jpg
Is he intact? My guess would be puberty; pretty typical of intact males at this age. ;)
Yes. All social animals will act out for attention, moreso at earlier stages of life than later stages of life (assuming there is no abuse or neglect involved). They're still learning the ropes. Very few dog breeds are okay with not getting at least some attention; friendlier breeds obviously require more. Some dogs just need more adult supervision (ahem, Labradors). Just keep in mind that it's possible to spoil a pet with attention such that large amounts of it become an expectation.
Aside from personal experience with the one dog I've owned, most of my behavior studies have been directed toward people more than pets. Sorry I can't help you more.
-B
I have never been around one of those dogs so I really do not know how they act. My last dog would never eat anything she knew she was not supposed to, EXCEPT cat food at my moms house. She knew it was not allowed but would always sneak into where the cats food was and eat it. The crying is definitely looking for attention. Were you in your room with the door closed?
He needs some toys to play with. Buy him a cat. ;p
Perhaps you should try searching for a dog/boxer forum site. You'll probably get more detailed info from other boxer owners.
http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1R2TSHB_en&q=dog+boxer+forum&aq=f&aqi=&oq=
Several of my dogs have acted out for attention or because they became upset about being left alone. Some of them are just like children. Try watching the Dog Whisperer sometime.
Puberty! These years are when either you establish yourself as the pack leader or he becomes the pack leader! Bad behavior once learned is MUCH harder to remove. If he is intact, cuttem off NOW! It will help before you are stuck with a problem animal.
If he is not getting enough mental stimulation or exercise then that is your fault. Dogs that need more mental stimulation are a blessing or a potential disaster. Dogs that need more mental stimulation either need a job or training. Training is fun for smart dogs not oppression. It gives them the mental stim they need and the communication they desire and they know their place in the pack hierarchy which gives them emotional security and they are not confused and frustrated.
Good Luck
Puberty for one.. But I would think some jealousy might be too. Said your girlfriend was over. Especially if you have had him since a pup. You do realize that one day he will try to compete for Alpha-Male position right ? My Rott peed on my ex-wife trying to mark territory. Loved that Dog for that one ! But hated it when he peed on my '68 Camaro, Harley, Tool Box tray..And whatever what was in his backyard.
Agree with the other posters.
I will also say that boxers need a lot of exercise. Even if he can't stand you and doesn't want your attention, He needs more than 30 minutes of running a day.
getting him fixed will probably help to some degree, but ultimately he needs attention AND exercise.
I had two dogs in college, one pit/english and one full pit. They were MISERABLE and constantly acting out until I moved into a house with a 1/4 acre yard and they were outside all the time, running, biting, playing... behavior problems ceased to exist and it had nothing to do with attention from me. They both still slept with me at night, both curled up next to me on the sofa to watch TV, but the exercise was the key to their happiness.
Business_Casual
02-09-10, 07:18
A half hour jog is probably not enough for him. Is there a dog park near you? If we take ours to the park for an hour or two and let him run and play it wears him out enough for him to be calm in the house. Give it a try, you might be surprised how different he is after all the energy is drained from him.
M_P
Do dogs act out like children do?
Over the last 2 months, my dog has started crying all the time. I'll take him out for a half hour run, then go inside and go into my room for a nap. He'll sit outside my door and cry for 2 hours. My girlfriend was over, so it's not like he's lonely.
Now he's taken to misbehaving, right in front of me. He'll eat out of the cat's bowl or out of the garbage right in front of me. He knows he's not allowed, and even seems to expect the punishment, but continues to do it.
Is this his way of asking for attention? What else would it be?
1 1/2 year old boxer.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4256551273_0cb638df43.jpg
I'm as much a dog guy as anything and I agree with the previous posters: puberty, dominance and boredom.
Look into a treadmill but please be aware that depending on where you live purchasing a dog treadmill will "make you a dog fighter". Stupid, but true. I had a treadmill for the last Pit Bulldog I had and, boy, does it make a difference. He had no energy to act out between the treadmill and the flirt pole (long pole with a towel attached and encouraging him to "go get it".
Having him neutered MAY solve some of the behavior but he'll still strive to be dominant even if it's "passive aggressive" behavior like he's up to now.
Two of my dogs act up when they do not get enough play time. 9 times out of 10 they are great dogs but when they have been neglected they let me know it. One day my female knocked over a packed trash can and drug the contents all over the house, lol.. Both of the dogs are fixed and adults.
Short answer, yes. Dogs will act out when they feel they are not receiving enough of your attention.
QuietShootr
02-09-10, 16:31
Do dogs act out like children do?
Over the last 2 months, my dog has started crying all the time. I'll take him out for a half hour run, then go inside and go into my room for a nap. He'll sit outside my door and cry for 2 hours. My girlfriend was over, so it's not like he's lonely.
Now he's taken to misbehaving, right in front of me. He'll eat out of the cat's bowl or out of the garbage right in front of me. He knows he's not allowed, and even seems to expect the punishment, but continues to do it.
Is this his way of asking for attention? What else would it be?
1 1/2 year old boxer.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4256551273_0cb638df43.jpg
He's either looking for attention, or there's something wrong with him and he's trying to tell you what it is. Have you had him checked out by a vet, including blood panel and urine test?
You should definately check out more of Cesar's way of dealing with pups. http://www.cesarsway.com/
Is he intact? My guess would be puberty; pretty typical of intact males at this age. ;)
No. Got chopped at 7 months.
Agree with the other posters.
I will also say that boxers need a lot of exercise. Even if he can't stand you and doesn't want your attention, He needs more than 30 minutes of running a day.
getting him fixed will probably help to some degree, but ultimately he needs attention AND exercise.
I had two dogs in college, one pit/english and one full pit. They were MISERABLE and constantly acting out until I moved into a house with a 1/4 acre yard and they were outside all the time, running, biting, playing... behavior problems ceased to exist and it had nothing to do with attention from me. They both still slept with me at night, both curled up next to me on the sofa to watch TV, but the exercise was the key to their happiness.
All good responses. I'm going with this one though, because it's most like my situation.
For the others: I have a cat and they play all the time. I don't think he's jealous of the lady - he likes her. I've had a vet test him when he was peeing around the apartment. He definitely knows I'm the Alpha. Correct, half an hour of exercise is not enough for him. He could go all day.
The only reason I even has a question was because the one time he was crying for hours was right after getting back from about 45 minutes of running and playing fetch in an open field. I take him to daycare (lots of dogs playing for 8 hours while I'm at work) and the very next day he was acting out again. I even let him sleep in my room (typically he's in the cage) and then he destroyed something while I was in the shower.
I'll most likely just have to dish out the money for daycare twice a week.
I have a pug and a boston terrier-pug mix and they both will mis behave when they are not given the standard amount of attention. It is partially the fault of my fiance and I, as they need laps. Generally we will take them to the park or play inside with them and they will get worn out and be content to rest, but if you ignore them they let you know it.
One of them will chase cats and bat at the garbage can, like clockwork, if ignored after we get home from work.
Some dogs need a lot of structure and have a set schedule, any change and they get all screwy. I have never cage trained a dog so I have no clue, but can there be something going wrong in that area?
The Alpha in the pack changes... he is hard wired to test you and push the boundaries of your dominance... its OK, they all do it till they die, but he is going to change ALOT over the next 18-24 months before he starts to settle into who he is... and much of how you deal with it is how easy he will be to deal with over the next 10-12 years
Yes and yes! Believe it or not ignoring the bad behavior is a very effective way of correcting it. If the bad behavior is rewarded it will continue as a means to garner attention. Punish behavior he is trained "not to do" but ignore "ways" of "getting" attention. Kinda like when a dog jumps up on you to get attention, you turn your back on them and ignore it. When they are calm and acting accordingly, then reward with attention or treats.... Training while young is vital, that said all breads need varying levels of training.
My chocolate Lab only took 4 months, my yellow is still a knuckle head after school and years of working with him. He is a damn good bird dog though...
The essence of a "good" dog, is a dog that loves to please and lives to please his "master". Unfortunately not all dogs give a shit.:eek:
Need more pics to make an informed suggestion...
D90 - He definitely isn't a dog that wants to please... he is SO stubborn. He just wants to do what he wants to do. When I train him, he seems to get frustrated (sighs a lot) when I keep telling him what to do. Even when I walk him he knows he isn't allowed to pull, but keeps doing it, and whenever I correct him he gets irritated.
Castillo - ....:confused:
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I wish my boxer would get along with my cat that way. It's nothing but fighting with those two
Are you sure he knows you are alpha? My dog is still a pup (6 months) but while we were training him we made damn sure he knew where his place is. When he started feeling spunky he would get grabbed by the loose skin on top of his neck, pinned to the floor, and held on his back while I stared into his eyes until he broke his gaze first. Boxers can be stubborn and need a firm hand to keep them in line
Awesome looking dog! I love the fat leather collar.
They can be a tough breed. Its nice to see he loves company.:D Sadly there is nothing you can do to "train" that flaw out. They are born to please, or not....
I wish my boxer would get along with my cat that way. It's nothing but fighting with those two
Are you sure he knows you are alpha? My dog is still a pup (6 months) but while we were training him we made damn sure he knew where his place is. When he started feeling spunky he would get grabbed by the loose skin on top of his neck, pinned to the floor, and held on his back while I stared into his eyes until he broke his gaze first. Boxers can be stubborn and need a firm hand to keep them in line
Awesome looking dog! I love the fat leather collar.
I do the same thing to my dog. He listens when I tell him something. It's just that he goes back to doing whatever about 3 seconds after. Like he's ADD.
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I had an English Mastiff - beautiful, loving animal - who would piss all over my rucksack if I left it packed by the front door the night before a training exercise. Never had an "accident" in the house - he was showing me he was mad that I was going away.
After I figured that out, I'd throw my ruck in the cab of my truck after it was packed - and never had the problem again.
Regards,
Kevin
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