10 Urgent Signs Your Dog Wants Immediate Attention
Having a furry companion around the house is a joy, especially since it means you are now a pet parent! You now have a particularly enthusiastic friend! All dog breeds are loyal and loving and teach us so much about ourselves and the world. They are always eager to please us and give us their undivided attention.
But, what happens when your pup doesn’t seem to want your attention? What if they seem to be avoiding you? It’s essential to know the signs that your pup is trying to tell you that they want attention and what to do if it doesn’t work. Here’s what you need to know about the 10 tell-tale signs your pup wants attention to and what to do if it doesn’t seem to work.
What is the Attention Span of a Dog?
Before we dive into the 10 tell-tale signs, let’s first explore the attention span of a dog. A dog’s attention span can vary greatly depending on the dog and its breed. For example, a German Shepherd may have a long attention span. Generally, a dog’s attention span can range anywhere from 10 seconds to 10 minutes. This means that your pup may not be able to remain focused or keep eye contact on a single task or activity for more than 10 minutes. It’s important to understand this concept when trying to get your pup’s attention.
10 Tell-Tale Signs Your Dog Wants Attention
Now, let’s explore the 10 tell-tale signs your pup wants attention:
Pawing You
When your dog paws you it is a type of body language and a way dogs communicate. It uses its paw to touch or scrape you, similar to how you would touch someone to get their attention. This is an easy, non-energy-consuming way to tell you that your dog wants attention. Maybe all it needs is a pet or a snuggle? Perhaps it wants a treat? Your dog may even want you to bring it to someone, supposedly on a walk. Whichever of these your dog needs, it is best to fulfill your dog’s demands. Happy dogs = happy owners!
Nudging you with its nose
Your four-legged friends are experts in getting the attention they want! Nudging you and putting their heads on you are other types of body language and are sure-shot signs of their craving for affection. Even though many dogs love spending time on their own, they never hesitate to come near to ask for something special – maybe a treat or some snuggles! We, as dog lovers, can’t resist their sweet gestures and they know it! So they take full advantage and come closer to get some belly rubs and cuddles from their owner!
Trying to get into your lap
It’s possible that this is your pup’s way of hinting that it wants something. When your pup hops onto your lap and stares into your eyes, they know that you won’t be able to resist their cuteness. So when they are so close, they can be positive that they will get some tasty treats, since you can’t turn them down!
Barking, howling, or whining when you leave the room or are talking on the phone
Canines communicate vocally. Therefore, your dog’s barking is often attention-seeking barking. If you don’t show your pup enough love, affection, and quality time, most dog breeds act out their “barking” dialect to remind you that they need your attention. If your dog isn’t one of the more vocal breeds or doesn’t tend to be vocal, be sure to check in on them right away – you may have an anxious dog or it could be in desperate need of something like needing to use the restroom!
Another of the most recognizable cues that your pup needs attention is when it whines or howls. Personally, my pet dog always comes close to me and whines when he urgently has to pee or poo. Therefore, when I hear him, I instantly realize that I have two options: take him outside or clean up a messy accident inside. I always go for option 1, so I make sure to get him out quickly.
Following you around the house or yard
This may seem like it’s just an annoying habit. If your pup has always been strong-willed and now they are extra clingy, it’s probably because they are seeking your attention. They may be shadowing you all the time, even in the loo, it’s likely that your furry companion is trying to communicate something, and it’s probably something important, it may be a sign they need mental stimulation. This is what Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP had to say about more reasons why your dog keeps on following you around.
Jumping on you, licking you, or even trying to bite you in its excitement
It’s typical for dog licks, nibbles, and play biting, which is referred to as “puppy mouthing”(a type of pup’s body language), to be a common part of your life, especially when you have a puppy. Jumping is also common. Dogs generally learn to outgrow this licking, nibbling, and play-biting behavior or are taught to put their energy into chewing toys and bones. Just like we use our hands to explore the world, your pup uses its mouth to learn more about its environment. If they start nibbling your fingers, that’s a sign they want your attention and are looking to have some fun. For more info on this see the puppy-mouthing video.
Digging at the carpet or furniture, or chewing on things it shouldn’t
Unhelpful actions can have various meanings. Most often, it’s a sign that a pup is suffering from isolation distress. For instance, when you go to work and your pet has this ailment, they may take a piece of your clothing that has your smell to make them feel that you’re still near. They might even start munching on or tearing your garments to find more of your aroma.
But if your pups begin to act like unusually aggressive dogs, damaging your possessions and your dog chews on things other than its designated chewing toys while you’re at home, it may be perceived as bad behavior. But it’s probably just attention-seeking behavior. Usually, this implies that your dog has excess energy and doesn’t know how to manage it. But, it may also mean your dog is seeking attention.
Barking and running around the house in circles
Canines are unable to communicate in human language, so they sometimes use movements to express their needs. Do you notice your dog pacing? Determine the pattern of their movements – is it in a circular route, or seemingly random?
Maybe your pup is circling the food bowl or kitchen? It’s likely hungry. If it’s pacing around the doorway, it could be wanting to go outside. But it’s out and walking around the house, maybe it’s searching for a strange scent that is perceived danger, like another dog, dog odors, or an unfamiliar human, which causes your dog to become a quite timid or anxious dog. All in all, it’s important to pay attention to your canine when it’s trying to tell you something.
Changes in its behavior such as frequent dog rolls
Dogs crave pets and constant belly rubs. Even a few pats may do the trick for your dog. They may love it so much that it calms down your dog’s brain, and nerves and promotes a calm body posture, giving it a gentle feeling. It’s perfectly okay if your canine rolls onto its back. It’s body language and a simple way for it to express to you that it wants some extra belly rubs.
If your pup is flipping onto its back while you’re busy, it’s probably attention-seeking. This is one of the more harmless methods your pup can use to get your attention, not like, for instance, chewing up your stuff or barking loudly. Make sure that you’re providing your dog with enough attention regularly if it seems to be seeking it all the time.
Staring at you!
Sometimes, our four-legged friend may hop over and sit at our feet, gazing up at us with a very tense stance and the cutest puppy-dog eyes. Staring is a pup’s way of conveying a message, so if your puppy begins to lock eyes with you, it’s likely attention-seeking behavior; they may be trying to express something vital. It’s worth looking into what the dog is trying to say!
These are just some tell-tale signs your pup loves attention and is trying to tell you that they want attention. It’s important to recognize these signs and act accordingly, showing just how much affection and dog love you have for your furry friend, for a truly successful relationship and the sweetest spirit imaginable.
How to Get Your Dog’s Attention
Now that you know the signs that your pup wants attention. Let’s explore how to get their attention. The best way to get your pup’s attention is to make sure they know you are there and that you are paying attention to them. Here are a few tips to help you get your pup’s attention:
- Make sure to give your pup plenty of treats, toys, and praise when they are behaving well.
- Use positive reinforcement and play with your pup when they are behaving well.
- Make sure to give your pup plenty of exercise and playtime.
- Establish a routine for feeding, walking, and playing that your pup can depend on.
- Spend quality time with your pup and let them know that you are there for them.
These tips can help you get your pup’s attention and keep them focused on the task at hand. More info here
What to Do If the Dog Doesn’t Respond
Now that you know the signs that your pup wants attention, let’s explore how to get their attention. Sometimes, your dog’s personality just won’t allow long attention spans. (for example, having a calm and relaxed tail) However, the best way to get your pup’s attention is to make sure they know you are there and that you are paying attention to them. Here are a few tips to help you get your pup’s attention:
- Remember to give your pup plenty of treats, appropriate chew toys, (and toys in general), and praise when they are behaving well.
- Use positive reinforcement and play with your pup when they are behaving well. (for example, give them belly rubs)
- Make sure to give your pup plenty of exercise and playtime.
- Establish a routine for feeding, walking, and playing that your pup can depend on.
- Spend quality time with your pup and let them know that you are there for them.
Common Mistakes When Interacting with a Dog
It’s also important to note that there are a few common mistakes that people make when interacting with their pups that some humans perceive as okay. Here are a few of the most common mistakes to avoid:
- Not being patient or understanding with your pup.
- If you are not being consistent with the techniques or routines you use.
- Not rewarding your pup when they do respond.
- Not providing your pup with enough exercise or playtime.
- Yelling at, hitting, or punishing your pup when they don’t respond.
- Forcing them to stay around other dogs, when they may need alone time.
These mistakes can make it difficult for you to get your pup’s attention and can make them less likely to respond. It can also enforce negative habits.
Conclusion
Dogs are wonderful, loyal companions and it’s essential to know the signs that your pup is trying to tell you that they want attention, and what to do if it doesn’t seem to work. We’ve explored how long a dog’s attention span is, the 10 tell-tale signs your pup wants attention, how to get their attention, what to do if the pup doesn’t respond, and common mistakes when interacting with a pup. Now you know everything you need to know about the 10 tell-tale signs your pup wants attention too, and what to do if it doesn’t seem to work.
