Why does my dog dig at me when I sit? How do I stop this behavior?

Question

My 1 year old female Maltese has had a new behavior that at first I thought was cute, but now is a little concerning. It began when she started digging at my legs when I sit down, to be picked up. She's get comfortable and that was it. Now though, she digs on my arms and there's no settling her. Unless I hold her, which is fine sometimes, but she won't let up on it. She digs until she starts panting if I allow it for that long. Is this because she has been in heat? Or is it for attention? Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 1 year old | 3 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

It sounds like Fufu Muffin is trying to get your attention, and she has learned that if she keeps scratching at you long enough, you will give her what she wants. If you want this behavior to stop, you will have to stop picking her up when she digs at your legs. When she digs at your legs, tell her no firmly, and ignore her. If she continues to dig, get up, move, and turn your back on her. Ignore her until she stops the behavior, then pay attention to her. Praise her when she stops the behavior so she learns she gets love and attention when she doesn't dig at you. Make her sit, and when she sits, praise her and then pick her up to be put on your lap. She needs to learn that if she wants to sit on your lap, she has to be calm and quiet, and cannot scratch.

Why does my dog dig at me when I sit? How do I stop this behavior?

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