Some dogs, often "rescue dogs" become "attention seekers" or highly depending upon constant contact with their owners.

Perhaps a dog will jump up onto a lap (small dogs, I hope!) or sometimes push at the owner's hand, or place a paw on the owner's knee. Some dogs follow their owners around, relentlessly, and are extremely distressed if they are parted, if only for a few minutes. Casual, petting or stroking doesn't seem to help as the dog increases his or her demands for attention.

Other attention seeking behaviour can happen too. Some dogs stand in front of the fire or TV knowing that the owner will immediately pay attention if only to move them. Barking, sometimes out of the window, or at imaginary noises, or directly at the owner usually produces a result from that owner. Barking can become self-rewarding and may become a favourite stress relieving mechanism. All these attention-seeking activities indicate that the dog IS IN NEED OF ATTENTION.

Dogs are emotional creatures. They have feelings. If a dog feels the need for attention, I take the view that it should be given. An attention seeking dog is in need of security. Ignoring demands for attention will not increase the dog's feelings of security. Imagine if a loved one came to you for reasurrance. Would that loved one feel emotionally calm and reasurred if you ignored them?

If your dog tells you that he needs reasurance - give it. Give him your full and undivided attention. Talk to him, gently stroke him or play a game with a toy. Every day, offer your full, complete and undivided attention.

Responding to a dog's attention seeking behaviour will not turn your dog into an "attention seeker" but will help him to develop into a dog that is confident and secure.

You will not provide leadership by ignoring your dog! Your dog will not view you as "dominant" if you ignore him! Why would anyone want to "dominate" a pet dog anyway?

Your dog is your companion and best friend. Treat him as such.

Training, using kind, positive methods will give your dog the attention he needs too. Spend time talking to your dog and gently stroking him. Then have a training/play session. Your dog should not know the difference between training and play. All training should be fun - for the dog - and for the owner. Training provides positive attention, gives your dog mental stimulation, and increases the dog/owner bond.

Forget "pack rules" - they don't exist! Enjoy your dog!