Puppies often use hyperactive, attention-seeking behaviors to signal boredom, stress, or unmet energy needs. Managing this requires a combination of ignoring bad behavior (to stop the reward), providing engaging physical or mental activities, and consistently rewarding calm moments. [1, 2, 3, 4] Effectively curbing this behavior involves implementing these specific strategies: 1. Extinction (Ignore the Unwanted Behavior) - Turn your back: If your puppy jumps, whines, or barks for attention, immediately look away or cross your arms. - Do not scold: Even negative attention (yelling or pushing them away) is seen as a win by a needy puppy. - Remove yourself: If the nipping or barking persists, leave the room entirely for 30 seconds to show that bad manners make you disappear. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] 2. Reward the Good - Catch them being good: Whenever your puppy is quietly chewing on a toy or lying down calmly, drop a treat next to them or give them calm affection. - Teach an alternative: If they demand attention, ask for a "sit" or "down" first. Only when they comply should you give them the interaction they want. [1, 2]