If your dog does one “sit” and then stares at you like she just won the Heisman… yep. Words of Affirmation.
This is the dog who treats your voice like it’s a treat bag with vocal cords. And in a world where we’re all just trying to get through the workday + a Target run + whatever emotional spiral football season triggers… it’s honestly kind of healing to be loved this loudly.
The superpower
Praise dogs are often:
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Incredibly trainable (they want to be right)
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Fast bonders (your approval matters to them)
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Brave with support (encouragement = courage)
This dog will try harder for “YES, that’s my girl” than some dogs try for bacon.
The shadow side (aka where it gets spicy)
The same sensitivity that makes them sweet can also make them… a little theatrical.
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Demand behavior: barking, pawing, “performing” for attention
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Over-arousal: your hype revs them up (jumping becomes a lifestyle)
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Shut-down moments: if you go silent or sharp, they can get clingy or unsure
And if you’re trying to have one peaceful patio brunch… a dog who thinks every passerby deserves her performance art can be a lot.
Why it happens (in plain English)
Your dog has learned: your voice = emotional safety + reward + connection.
So when they’re unsure, excited, or feeling ignored, they reach for the tool that usually works: get your attention.
How to fix the cons without killing the vibe
1) Switch from “sideline reporter praise” to “NPR host praise”
When your dog is already hyped, your excited praise is basically a triple espresso.
Use calm praise for big feelings:
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“Good calm.”
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“Good settle.”
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“Good wait.”
Soft voice. Slow exhale. We are lowering the room temperature. Save the big “WHO’S A GOOD GIRL” for the after.
2) Make calm the thing that earns applause
Your new religion: praise the boring wins.
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four paws on the floor
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waiting at doors
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lying down without being asked
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choosing you over chaos
This is how you turn “attention-seeking” into “confident and regulated.”
3) Don’t reward demand-y behavior (but stay warm)
If they bark/paw to get hype:
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freeze
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look away
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wait for 2 seconds of quiet
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then praise + give attention
You’re not ignoring them emotionally. You’re teaching: calm opens the door to connection.
4) Build a “reunion script”
Praise dogs can interpret a dead-silent reunion as “did I do something wrong??”
Try:
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calm hello
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ask for “sit”
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specific praise (“good sit, good calm”)
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THEN love on them
7-day mini plan (real-life doable)
Day 1: Pick 2 praise phrases (“good calm,” “good wait”). Commit.
Day 2: Praise settle 3 times today.
Day 3: Door practice: “wait” → praise → open.
Day 4: Ignore one demand bark, reward the quiet.
Day 5: Praise bravery once (vacuum, strangers, loud noise).
Day 6: Calm reunion script when you come home.
Day 7: Teach “place” and praise the choice.
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