As a dog owner, I have seen a lot of spoiled dogs whose owners have contributed in one way or the other to spoil their dogs.
In this article, I’ll be discussing some of the most common signs your dog is spoiled and some effective ways of correcting your spoiled dog.
Signs Your Dog is Spoiled
I have taken my time to observe some spoiled dogs around my neighborhood, these dogs are over-pampered by their owners which eventually turns out to be bad for their owners.
Based on my observations, here are some common signs of a spoiled dog, how to identify and how to address these issues:
Your dog is constantly ignoring and refusing to obey simple commands
Based on my observations around spoiled dogs, I can tell you that one of the signs that your dog may be spoiled is if they consistently ignore or refuse to obey simple commands.
This can be frustrating for some dog owners and can lead to a breakdown in communication between you and your dog.
Identifying this sign: to identify this sign, you should take note if your dog selectively chooses when to follow your commands or shows a lack of response altogether.
This could include ignoring commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come” displaying a stubborn attitude, and instantly doing other things rather than following your commands.
Addressing this issue: To fix your dog in such a situation, you should start by reinforcing basic obedience training.
I suggest you become more consistent in your commands, use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise, and ensure that you are providing clear and concise instructions.
If things are not working for you, I suggest you seek the help of a professional dog trainer if needed to reinforce obedience and establish boundaries.
Your dog is constantly insisting on sleeping in your bed
While cuddling with your dog in bed can be comforting, if your dog insists on sleeping in your bed every night, it might be a sign that they are spoiled and overly dependent on your presence.
Identifying this sign: To confirm this sign, I suggest you pay attention to whether your dog consistently tries to get onto your bed, whines or scratches at the bedroom door when denied access, or becomes anxious when separated from you during bedtime.
Addressing this issue: To fix this issue, I recommend you gradually transition your dog to their own comfortable sleeping area.
Start by placing a cozy dog bed next to your bed and gradually move it farther away over time.
Encourage positive associations with their own space by providing treats and toys.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine that helps your dog feel secure and relaxed.
You always plan your whole day around your dog
Based on my observations, I can tell you that if your schedule revolves entirely around your dog’s needs and desires, it might indicate that they are spoiled and have become the center of attention in your household.
Identifying this sign: Reflect on whether you constantly rearrange your plans, cancel social engagements, or neglect your own personal needs to accommodate your dog’s schedule.
Addressing this issue: To fix this issue, you should know it’s important to strike a balance between meeting your dog’s needs and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for yourself.
You should also set aside specific times for activities such as walks, playtime, and feeding, and stick to a consistent routine.
Gradually introduce alone time for your dog to help them become more independent and prevent separation anxiety.
You are spending more time and money on your dog than yourself
While it’s natural to want to provide the best for our pets, overspending on our dogs at the expense of our own well-being can indicate that they are spoiled, and you may need to reevaluate your priorities.
Identifying this sign: To identify this issue, you should take a moment to assess whether you consistently prioritize spending on your dog’s needs and desires over your own, such as buying expensive toys, gourmet food, or excessive grooming services.
Addressing this issue: To address this issue, you should set a budget for your dog’s expenses and stick to it.
Ensure that you are also allocating time and resources for your own self-care and personal needs.
Consider engaging in activities that enhance the bond with your dog without breaking the bank, such as DIY toys or exploring new outdoor adventures together.
Your dog constantly begs for treats without having to do any work for them
If your dog has become a master at begging for treats without having to earn them, it could be a sign that they are spoiled and have learned that they can get rewarded without any effort.
Identifying this sign: To identify this issue, I suggest you pay attention to whether your dog persistently begs for treats, even when they haven’t performed any commands or tricks.
They may use puppy eyes, pawing, or barking to get your attention.
Addressing this issue: To address this issue, you should reinforce positive behaviors by teaching your dog basic commands and tricks.
Make them work for their treats by asking them to sit, lie down, or perform other commands before rewarding them.
This helps establish a clear expectation that treats are earned, not freely given.
Your dog constantly throws tantrums
If your dog exhibits persistent and demanding behaviors like whining, barking, or throwing tantrums to get their way, it’s a sign that they may be spoiled and have learned that such behaviors get them what they want.
Identifying this sign: Observe whether your dog throws tantrums when they don’t get immediate attention or when you’re not meeting their demands.
This could include excessive barking, pawing, or even destructive behaviors.
Addressing this issue: To address this issue, you should reinforce calm and patient behavior by ignoring tantrums and rewarding positive behavior instead.
Teach your dog alternative ways to communicate their needs, such as sitting quietly or bringing you a toy.
Consistency is key in teaching them that demanding behaviors won’t be rewarded.
Your dog is constantly following you around
While it’s natural for dogs to seek companionship, if your dog constantly follows you and becomes anxious when separated, it could be a sign of over-dependence and spoiling.
Identifying this sign: Take note of whether your dog follows you everywhere, even to the bathroom, and becomes anxious or distressed when you’re out of sight.
Addressing this issue: To fix this issue, you should gradually introduce alone time for your dog to help them become more independent.
Start by leaving them in a separate room for short periods and gradually increase the duration.
Provide them with engaging toys or treats to keep them occupied. Encouraging independent play and rewarding calm behavior when you’re not in their immediate vicinity will help alleviate separation anxiety.
Your dog is easily anxious or destructive when left alone
If your dog becomes anxious, exhibits destructive behavior, or shows signs of separation anxiety when left alone, it could indicate that they have become spoiled and overly reliant on constant attention.
Identifying this sign: Notice whether your dog becomes excessively anxious, paces, barks, or engages in destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture or scratching doors when left alone.
Addressing this issue: To address this issue, you should help your dog feel more relaxed and secure when alone by gradually desensitizing them to your absence.
Start by leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increase the duration.
Create a safe and comfortable space for them with their favorite toys or a cozy crate.
Consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers or soothing music to help ease their anxiety.
A spoiled dog often has a toy box that rivals a child’s
If your dog’s toy collection is overwhelming and their toy box rivals that of a child, it could be a sign that they are spoiled and have an excessive amount of toys.
Identifying this sign: Take note of whether your dog has an abundance of toys, many of which remain untouched or ignored. They may also exhibit possessive behavior over their toys.
Addressing this issue: To fix this issue, you should simplify your dog’s toy collection by rotating toys. Keep only a few toys accessible at a time, while storing the rest out of sight.
This helps maintain their interest and prevents them from becoming overwhelmed.
Engage in interactive play with your dog using their toys to encourage their involvement and prevent them from relying solely on their toys for entertainment.
Related: Signs of a poorly socialized dog.
Spoiled dogs often demand constant attention and affection
If your dog constantly demands attention and affection, it could indicate that they have been spoiled and have learned that demanding behavior gets them what they want.
Identifying this sign: Observe whether your dog persistently seeks attention by pawing, barking, or nudging you.
They may also become restless or anxious when not receiving immediate attention.
Addressing this issue: Establish boundaries by ignoring demanding behavior and rewarding calm, patient behavior instead.
Teach your dog alternative ways to seek attention, such as sitting or bringing you a toy.
Ensure they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to prevent excessive attention-seeking behavior.
Set aside dedicated play and bonding time to meet their needs without reinforcing demanding behavior.
Your dog refused to eat regular dog food
If your dog turns their nose up at regular dog food but constantly demands preferred food or table scraps, it could be a sign that they have become spoiled and developed picky eating habits.
Identifying this sign: Notice if your dog consistently refuses to eat their regular dog food but eagerly consumes preferred food or shows a lack of interest in meals altogether.
Addressing this issue: Establish a consistent feeding routine and offer your dog their regular food at specific meal times.
Avoid giving in to their demands for preferred food or table scraps, as this reinforces picky eating.
If necessary, consult with your veterinarian to ensure there are no underlying health issues.
Gradually introduce new flavors or textures to their diet to encourage a more varied and balanced mealtime experience.
Related: Effective ways of socializing your dog.
How to Correct a Spoiled Dog
Correcting a spoiled dog can be a challenging task, but with patience and consistency, it is possible to help them become well-behaved companions.
Here are some steps to effectively correct a spoiled dog:
- Set clear boundaries: Establish rules and boundaries that your dog should follow. Consistency is key, so make sure everyone in the household is on the same page.
- Reward good behavior: Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool. Praise and reward your dog when they exhibit desired behavior, such as following commands or showing restraint.
- Ignore bad behavior: Sometimes, dogs act out for attention. If your dog displays unwanted behavior, like jumping or barking excessively, withhold attention until they calm down.
- Use redirection: When your dog engages in undesirable behavior, redirect their attention to something more appropriate, like a toy or a designated area for play.
- Provide mental and physical stimulation: A bored dog is more likely to exhibit bad behavior. Ensure your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation through walks, puzzle toys, or training sessions.
- Seek professional help if needed: If your dog’s behavior problems persist or worsen, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance and support.
Remember, correcting a spoiled dog takes time and effort. Stay patient, consistent, and focused on positive reinforcement, and you’ll see progress over time.
Related: Common behavior concerns in dogs.
Conclusion
In summary, your dog is probably pampered if he has elevated himself to the position of ultimate master in your home and demands expensive food, clothes, and continuous attention.
These clues suggest that your dog has definitely figured out how to enjoy the good life, from their discerning palate to their sense of entitlement to the best of everything.
Thus, it’s time to own it if you find yourself giving in to your dog’s every whim—your four-legged friend is one lucky, spoiled pup!
