Barking for attention

[Louie's_Mom]

My french bulldog Louie is now 9 months old and is a great pup. But about 2 weeks ago he has started a brand new behavior that he never did before - barking at me for attention. Does anyone have suggestions for how to break him of this annoying habit? I've tried crossing my arms and turning around (and then trying to praise him when he stops barking) but honestly it doesn't work that well, he just keeps barking at me while my back is turned. It's not like he's starved for attention - trust me, he gets plenty. But he's definitely trying to run the show by deciding when it's time to play, and I'm worried it could escalate into other problems (plus I live in an apartment and really don't want the neighbors to complain about barking!) If you have any ideas I am all ears. Thanks! -Shannon

[French Queen]

Hi Shannon - really there best thing to do is ignore him completely while he is barking & pay attention to him when he is quiet. Leave the room as soon as he starts, only come back & give him attention when he is quiet, if he starts barking as soon as you walk in go back out & keep repeating till he stops, remember he's ad your attention on tap so he may not give in easily so be consistent.

I don't respond to pups (or adults) that bark for attention - it's making a rod for your own
back. When mine have done this & telling them to be quiet & rewarding with good boy/girl hasn't worked then I have excluded themfrom my presence so they get exactly the
opposite of what they were after. They soon learn then that attention is on my terms.

To underline this get into the habit of calling him to you for a pat when he is not looking for your attention, so he realizes attention is on your terms.

Google NILIF this will help.

Best wishes

Queenie & the little clowns :)

[Louie's_Mom]

Thanks for the suggestions! I am going to work on this with him.

[darkrosaleen]

So thats what Milo has been barking about! He sometimes sits in front of me and cries. I pick him up, just like a baby, but I also have been wondering what all the crying is about. I guess he wants attention.