"Attention hound"

[Ellen]

I don't know how the term "attention hound" originated, but Riley definitely fits the definition.  For example, when I have to work from home during the evening or weekends for a long stretch of time, I often have to drop Riley off at daycare because he always wants to play tug and catch with the tennis ball.  If ignored, he'll find "fun" things to do like table surfing (which he otherwise never does) for paper and ripping it to shreds, pulling apart his stuffed toys, finding a sock to chew on, or his favorite -- repeatedly letting his tennis ball roll "accidentally" under the bed or couch after which he whines incessantly and looks at you with innocent eyes and stamps his feet until you reach down and get it for him.  And because he's a velcro dog, shutting him out of the office or restricting access via a gate leads to interchangeable mournful cries and grumbling (yes, he grumbles) that can last over an hour.  This dog is persistent.

 

Riley loves kids but again, only if they're not the center of everybody's attention.  The first time my little nephew Harrison visited us from London, everybody fawned all over him naturally.  Well, Riley didn't know what to make of it.  Everytime I approached Harrison, Riley would walk in between us as if to block access to my nephew, and when that didn't work, Riley grabbed our attention by running off with somebody's shoe for a game of chase....something he never did, even as a puppy.

 

Sometimes when we walk, I'll run into somebody I know and we'll stop to chat.  Riley, who was walking beautifully on his leash, will all of the sudden start jumping and grabbing the leash and tugging on it, so that I have to pay attention to him. 

 

Anybody else have a lovable attention hound?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I can't tell you a solution to all of these things aside from general training or crating. I did get a solution to the tennis ball tricks by banishing them indoors. Luca still tries to sneak them in.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ned wants the attention and will insinuate himself between me and what ever other dog has come over for pats. We will be grandparents soon so we will see what his behavior is toward little ones and attention. He may be in for a big surprise.....

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Sophie is our attention hound! She doesn't want Lucy getting any of the attention. Fortunately, Lucy doesn't really care!

[1io1xas2wgid6]

Daisy is an Attention Hound. She just loves to be loved. Thank goodness she doesn't seem to have too much jealousy of the other dogs. My big issue with her is that she "paws" for attention. She is a moose with huge paws and it's just not appropriate. I don't show her affection or even look at her if she paws and she is showing improvement with me. I wish I could get my husband to be consistent and maybe we'd have a shot at solving the problem. LOL Once again it's not REALLY the dog, but the humans. These are his first dogs because he's allergic and he is in LOVE with them, but he is much like an 8 year old kid with his first puppy. I guess we'll keep working on the human and the dog will most likely be fine.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Clancy paws at us also and his paws/nails hurt. He is a rescue and this must have worked in his previous home. Hopefully it will be one of those habits that is extinguished eventually.

[Roxanne Ochs]

CeeGee is my all time attention hound. Play with ME, stop ironing, doing the dishes, cleaning and throw the ball for ME. Stop petting Aunty Sue's dog Bailey and pet ME. Cousin Riley can't be near you and you cannot pet her because I want you to pet ME, ME, ME,ME, ME, ME. I know you're driving, watching TV, reading, working on the computer but can't you feel me bumping your elbow? I want you to pet ME, throw the ball to ME, wrestle with ME.