Free Tips on How to Teach a Dog to Ask for Attention

In this Omaha dog training session, we worked with a very energetic 6-year-old Pitbull mix named Gus. We shared tips on how to teach a dog to ask for attention.

We showed his guardian how to pet him with a purpose. This helps Gus understand what behaviors she likes from him.

Tips for Training High-Energy Dogs

Gus was SUPER high energy to start out the session so I shared some tips on creative ways to exercise your dog. More than just about any other dog I have worked with, Gus needs several short exercise sessions every day. Also exercising him before people come over, before walks, etc will set him up for success.

Puppies and some adult dogs have a lot of energy, so it’s important to give them plenty of exercise throughout the day. Walking is good, but it’s not enough on its own. Dogs need exercise spread out because they sleep so much and wake up ready to burn off energy. Keep track of activities like stairs, fetch, and laser games by noting the time and how long each lasts.

One good exercise is stair climbing. To do this, hold a treat at the top of the stairs and let your dog chase it to the bottom, then command them to go back up. But be cautious with larger dogs, since they can be prone to bloating if they exercise too soon after eating.

Fetch is another great way to get your dog moving, and scent games can provide mental stimulation. If your dog enjoys chasing a laser, you can use that too, but avoid overdoing it. Always use the laser responsibly and avoid fast movements that might overstimulate your dog.

Exercise should happen in short sessions throughout the day. If your dog is acting restless or barking a lot, they might need more exercise. For puppies, aim for at least an hour a day—higher-energy breeds may need more. Tracking their activities can help you figure out the right amount of exercise for your dog.

These exercise tips work for all kinds of breeds and all types of humans. You can do this even if you are not a professional Pitbull dog trainer. In fact, not being a professional dog trainer may make it even more important to properly exercise your dog.

Are Pitbulls High-Energy Dogs?

“Pitbull” refers to three dog breeds: the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Pitbulls are a high-energy breed that needs plenty of exercise and playtime. They usually need 45 minutes to an hour of activity each day. They enjoy walks, fetch, agility training, and other fun games with their owners.

Socialization is key, too—Pitbulls are happiest around dogs they know, so playgroups can be a great option.

Typically, they don’t calm down until around five years old, and sometimes not even then. This means training is crucial from an early age. When properly trained and cared for, Pitbulls can be well-behaved and make excellent family pets. People recognize them for having one of the most stable temperaments among purebred dogs.

How to Teach a Dog to Ask for Attention Nicely

Gus was also extremely pushy and needy, demanding attention in an adorably cute way. But if a dog is able to tell you what to do, it sees you as a peer. If a dog sees you as a peer, then listening is optional.

An easy way to help a dog see and respect you as a leader is to add some structure to everyday activities. As a Dog Behaviorist, I learned that you can help your dog see you as a leader.

One simple way to do this is by asking your dog to do something. This will get your dog’s attention. I like to call it Petting with a Purpose.

Petting with a purpose can be immensely helpful. A dog will not listen to you unless they see you as a leader. Petting with a purpose is a great way to change that and develop a healthy leader follower dynamic.

Many people confuse their dogs by petting them at the wrong time. When you pet a dog, you reward their actions. This can lead to reinforcing unwanted behaviors in many cases.

Basically, people train their dog to do things they do not want them to do without even realizing it. Petting with a purpose is a wonderful way to teach a dog what activities you like. The more you pet your dog this way, the more the dog will do what you want!

To help the guardian remember all the other dog behavior tips we shared in this in-home dog training session, we recorded a roadmap to success video.