Loki

March 13, 2025

We have been getting quite a bit of activity on our feeders over the last month.  When the snow came and the temps dropped, there was a scarcity of natural seeds, and the birds flocked to the feeders.  Now the temps are warming up and the birds are getting frisky and need to replenish their energy.  I also have a group of about ten common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula) that quickly wipe out the feeders.  I have been filling the feeders every morning and finding them completely empty the next day.  I have also noticed the birds are getting more familiar with having the dogs around while they are feeding.  It used to be they would scatter when I let the kids out, but now they tend to either stay or at least do not stray too far.  Several days ago, we were visited by a small American gold finch (Spinus tristis) who refused to move.  Loki ran out of the house and the bird continued to sit on the feeder.  Loki became fascinated and stood looking at the bird for at least a minute.  Even after running away, Loki repeatedly returned to look at the bird, giving it full attention.    

When I looked online, I found (if you do not have a gold finch handy) there are four ways to teach your dog to pay attention.  This is focused on the reward-based method, and since Loki is already food-oriented these should work well.  The method begins by establishing a clear “Watch Me” cue.  This is done by beginning to hold the treat by your face and letting your dog sniff them.  Then slowly move the treats away and reward them the moment they refocus on your face.  Vocal clues like “watch me” or “look at me” are added to positive reinforcement like “Yes” or by using a clicker.  The key is consistency.  Distractions should be added gradually.  Once your dog focuses on you in a quiet environment you can add distractions like toys or other people.  Another technique is to teach your dog that good things happen when they regularly make eye contact.  Here again treats and toys are used as a reward.  Finally, learn to understand tension seeking behaviors and teach them alternative behaviors like sitting to say hello, or fetching a toy to get your attention.

Loki displays several attention-seeking behaviors that can be overpowering.  We have worked on his jumping when we enter the house, and he is getting better.  Loki will also sidle into you or try to get on your chair when you sit down.   These actions could stem from anxiety, lack of exercise or stimulation, a change in routine, or even a natural tendency for companionship.  Dogs can experience anxiety and stress just like humans, and this can trigger clingy behavior as they seek reassurance.  A dog who is not getting enough physical and mental stimulation may resort to these attention-seeking behaviors to release pent-up energy or boredom.  Separation anxiety happens when they anticipate or experience your departure.  Dogs crave attention and affection, and needy behavior may be a way to get more interaction.  Dogs are social animals that need companionship.  A dog who does not get enough social interaction may become more needy in their attempts to bond with their humans.  I think for Loki the behavior comes from a desire for attention.  Loki and Zena sometimes get into pushing matches to force the other dog away and command the attention of both Melissa and me. 

THOUGHTS: Knowing the needy behavior Loki exhibited was a desire for attention means we need to provide more.  When Loki gets on the chair, we tell him to get down but then reward the good behavior by petting and talking to him.  When Loki and Zena get into pushing matches to get close and force the other away, we try to love both, or Melissa will call one to her so they both get full attention.  Attention theory was developed to account for how humans learned based on rewards (approval) for their response.  Everyone requires attention and if they do not get enough, they will act out to receive it.  It seems negative attention is better than none.  Like Loki, society needs to provide positive attention for children and adults.  Act for all.  Change is coming and it starts with you.