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How can I stop my dog from barking constantly for attention at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 months and 18 days old | 104 lbs

How can I get pilot to not constantly need our attention!! He will bark by the door because that's how he gets our attention that he needs to go to the bathroom but he doesn't go he just barks until we go out there and throw the ball. We then let him in so the neighbors don't get annoyed but he continues to bark! Even when we're outside doing our own thing but not giving him our full attention he is still barking! We try to ignore it but our neighbors get mad!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Stephanie Echols, DVM

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 1st, 2017

When Pilot barks, you respond. You have now reinforced this behavior. You need to find a new way for him to "ask" for something. The best option is sit. When he wants your attention he needs to sit first. When he does, then he gets what he wants. You don't pay attention to him until he is sitting. This goes for eating, going outside, petting, when you come home, when he wants you to throw the ball. Basically, you need to retrain him and only positively reinforce when he is still and quiet. Kisses to Pilot!
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