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Permalink Reply by Beth on October 13, 2014 at 8:47pm

Instead of ignoring her, try standing up, turning your back, crossing your arms over your chest, and staring at the ceiling.  That works with Jack but it's a never-ending struggle, not a "train it and done" thing.

One thing that DOES work with him is I have sort of taught him that "That's enough, go get your bone" means I will not be playing with him and he needs to entertain himself.   

The other management technique I use is that sometimes when he is lying quietly I will pick up his toys and play with him.  He has learned that good things come to dogs who are quiet.   Of course, looking down and seeing him lying on the floor with his chin down, eyes open, totally bored and three different balls lined up hopefully in front of his nose never fails to make me feel horribly guilty.

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Permalink Reply by Holly on October 13, 2014 at 10:34pm

I agree Beth! That technique is MAGIC! It worked for me from the first time I tried it. It works for everything and it doesn't require any harsh words. I don't even have to stand up. I just say "no" gently and turn away from her and she "gives up." Sully isn't demanding for most things, but she has no trouble seeking more cuddles even after an hour of snuggling or more treats after enough. I do use the "finish, done" sign first, then I turn my back. She does grumble in an unsettling, almost human voice when she doesn't like something, but she stops that as well since I ignore it. One important caveat, if you are trying to teach her to stop whining for treats, for example, you have to be 100% consistent because random reinforcement will increase the undesired behavior. You can give her whatever you want, it just has to be your call not hers. I sometimes ignore Sully if I am reading or cooking and she approaches me, which happens rarely now, but if I have time I call her over soon after she walks away  just to be sure she has he rules down. In your case, the cat getting attention may be a sign of resource guarding which others may have more experience managing. I think that issue has to be handled with some caution.

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Permalink Reply by Marcie on October 14, 2014 at 8:37pm

The turning around has been working some. I have to be careful how I place myself, she will circle around to my front. I think she is bored. Even with three walks a day and two agility classes a week, she wants to think. Tonight I taught her to balance a treat on her nose. So far she is quiet and content.

Holly, Becca does have resource guarding problems with the cat. It is a constant work in progress. The cat grew up with my last dog who bowed to her every whim. Said cat now has absolutely no boundaries. Things would be much easier if she paid attention to Becca's body language. Becca can now tolerate the cat with only an occasional lip lift. If I was in Becca's place I'd lift my lip too.

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Permalink Reply by Linda on October 22, 2014 at 8:20am

Max mutters too only his is ALWAYS having to have the last word.  It may be the lowest, softest sound but he has to get the last word in.  Certain times of the day when I let them out he feels the chi/jrt behind is out and he wants to let Chico know he is coming.  I won't open the door until he is quiet which can take forever it seems because I tell him no and he has to put his 2 cents in.

Thankfully I have never had a resource guarding issue with any of my dogs.  As for jealousy of the cats...none that I have ever seen.  When both dogs come over for petting Graycie (the cat) joins right in with the mix...she thinks she is a corgi...and there has never been a problem with that.  The dogs accept all the cats (3) as part of the pack.  The funniest thing is the one cat who does not have anything to do with the other 2 cats absolutely adores the dogs.  She will lay with them, wash them and she's not the one who thinks she's dog.

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