Attention Seeking

Why do Beagle’s attention seek?

People and dogs need and enjoy attention. Owning a dog is a big responsibility and shouldn’t be entered into lightly. Expecting a young dog to settle quietly for the day after a 30-minute walk is not reasonable and you should be prepared to spend a more time ensuring your Beagle’s needs for mental stimulation and engagement with you are met.

For centuries, beagles have been selectively bred to follow a hare at a flat out run for up to five hours, singing as they go, several times a week. It’s not surprising then, that a fit and healthy hound can’t sit still in his basket for 23 hours a day!

How do I recognise attention seeking behaviours?

Attention seeking behaviours can come in many forms, including:

  • Stealing items and running off with them
  • Jumping up
  • Destroying items
  • Chewing furniture
  • Whining or barking at you
  • Tugging on clothes

However, these behaviours can be related to other problems so it is always worth speaking with a qualified trainer if these issues persist.

Is my behaviour making it worse?

How we respond to behaviours has an impact on whether they are more or less likely to reoccur in the future. For example:

  • If every time a beagle picks up the TV remote you jump to your feet and chase him to get it back, he quickly learns that picking up the remote is the fastest way to start a game and get attention.
  • For some Beagles, even being reprimanded can reward the behaviour, they have gained your eye contact and attention which is exactly what they wanted!

If you are sure that your dog is attention seeking, it’s crucial that you do not give eye contact, direct body language or speak to them, as this will make these undesirable behaviours more likely in the future.

What to do!

So, if any attention can make the behaviour worse, what can I do?

  • Taking your attention away completely can be an effective way of dealing with this behaviour in the moment, so turning away from them, or walking out of the room briefly can work.
  • However, this will not stop the desire to seek your attention, if you are simply not doing enough to meet your dog’s needs!
  • It also won’t stop behaviours that are internally rewarding, such as destroying items or chewing on things, as these also feel good to the dog.
  • In this case, it can be better to interrupt chewing or destroying of things and ensure that you manage their environment better in the future (by using pens or keeping items out of their way).
  • It is also sometimes fair and appropriate for your dog to ask for your attention, just as if a child or friend wanted to engage with you.
  • Teaching your dog appropriate ways to seek your attention is a key part of this puzzle. For example, noticing when your dog picks up their toy to play with you, rather than the remote and playing with them will quickly feedback that the toy is more fun. Or asking for a “sit” as they approach you, to teach them how to say hello with all four paws on the floor.
Attention seeking beagle

Routine

Your daily routine can greatly impact whether your dog feels the need to attention seek. Dogs all over the world are most active in the morning and late afternoon/evening, generally resting in the middle of the day.

Dedicating time each morning and evening to play and engage with them (as well as your daily walks) can massively benefit your dog, their behaviour and your bond.

You can also try and pre-empt periods of the day where you know this behaviour can occur. For example, if you know your hound is likely to steal items an hour after he’s eaten, then why not choose a toy to start the game ten minutes earlier.

That way you’ll be rewarding his quiet behaviour with lots of fun and the remote control will avoid gaining extra teeth marks.

Mental Stimulation

A great way to ensure that your dog is content and relaxed at home is to increase mental stimulation. This could be:

  • Brain games: Beagles are particularly motivated by following scent, so setting up treat trails, playing “hide and seek”, or teaching them to find a toy can be a great activity.
  • Running through obedience exercises such as “Sits” or “Downs” and “Leave its”
  • Teaching them a new trick, such as “Paw”, “Rollover” or “Bow”.
  • Or if you are having a busy day there are plenty of independent options such as a long-lasting natural chew, stuffed Kong or puzzle toy.

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