Whining for Attention

[Jen]

Little Miss Tasha has actually become more friendly (her 18 month anniversary with us is tomorrow) and is now approaching people. I don't know if she'd just bark at them if they actually did stop to talk to/pet her, which has happened in the past, as New Yorkers are always too busy to pet a cute dog it seems.

But, this am she was wagging in my arms before I set her down, looking at strangers, so I knew she was in a gregarious mood. Well, we ran into her chihuahua friend Chico (who doesn't like her as much since she now runs up to greet him instead of hiding behind me :confused: ) and Chico's owner Nancy. Tasha LOVES Nancy, she's in her 50s I think, and Tasha loves mature ladies. Tasha whines and whines for attention from this woman, and my pup flips on her back, dashes around, and whines for more attention. She's so happy to get attention from the lady than DH and I can't help but feel a little slighted.

Have others noticed this with their dogs? Do they have "special" humans friends they're sooo excited to see? Since Tasha isn't a "normal" dog, this is kinda new for me.....(and yes, maybe it makes me a little jealous).

[JuneyTrixie]

Yes. Would you believe that when I take Trixie to the groomers, both Trixie and Juney (who refuses to stay home) will go bonkers trying to break into the groomers' house! :banana:

They also do the same whenever I have brought them back to visit with their breeder!

[Jen]

Do they whine?

Tasha has always been such a shy, antisocial girl. This is so new to me. She had one other human friend but the lady got laid off about about 6 weeks of occasional encounters on walkies and we never saw her again.

[Courtney]

Oh, you should see Napoleon work his charm. If someone he loves comes over, say Aunt Hope or Aunt Jessica, he wiggles and wiggles and wiggles and gives kisses - and he's not really a big kisser. Then if that person sits down he will go sit next to/on them and get petted while giving me a look that says "Why don't you love me like this?" He is an absolute attention whore. If the person is someone he REALLY loves, and these people are Daddy and Aunt Amy, he will do what we call "otter arms" where he leans back against the person, belly up, and waves his front paws around. Of course he's never really had shyness issues or anything....I can't say it makes me jealous because I know how much he loves me. It's just really funny!

[JuneyTrixie]

They dash from the car, while screaming with a high-pitched squeal (sounds like they are being killed), race to the door, jumping up and down on the down, still squealing with the high pitch and crying. :bounce1: :bounce1: This is the groomers house, for goodness sakes! :huh:

[Courtney]

Forgot to add that Napoleon does whine when he wants attention...all of the freaking time!

[Jen]

I can't say it makes me jealous because I know how much he loves me. It's just really funny!

Guess I'm just needy. Tasha really isn't as affectionate as most dachsies I've met. I think it was due to the rough treatment with her first family. And we do get the whole wiggle lick treatment when we arrive home from work--but of course we have to ignore it because of the separation anxiety issues--not fair.

Thanks for the reassurance all!!

Tasha rarely whines, lucky us!

[Lisa]

Oh the noises! Yes, when my dad comes over Pogo actually squeals to get his attention (after he tried to pee on him!) Then he will do just like Courtney described,

Then if that person sits down he will go sit next to/on them and get petted while giving me a look that says "Why don't you love me like this?"

Pixel always makes noise, so it's a lot harder with him...I swear Pixel will speak in full English sentences one day.

[Goob]

Snooter has grown quite attached to mutter (now that dad has been in remission for almost one year) lately. If she's behind the baby gate and can see me she whines so loud she practically howls.... :banana: Makes me happy b/c I know she loves me!

[oceangirls]

Jen, I can't remember - was Tasha the one who was so attached to the lady you saw on walks that you were thinking an older lady had been kind to her in her past when she was abused? If that's so, I would think it is more of a conditioned response than a personal attachment or preference. But of course I can understand your feelings.

Tristan was very attached to his Grandma (husband's mom). He lived with his parents the first year we had Tristan (after we finished college before we got our house). Then we lived with them for several months after we sold our house prior to moving to FL. T would run back and forth from Mom to Grandma to share the love. :D However, she said he was unhappy when I was gone for more than a day, so that made me feel good.

As far as whining for attention, Cassie, like Pixel, has a full vocabulary. Angel sits up, waves her paws at you, and says "Roo-roo-roo!!"