Hi All

I have a question about my neighbours bitch who I look after quite a lot. Its a question born out of curiosity really as her behaviour is not a problem. I just wonder why she does it.

A bit of background.....Shes a Staff, about 7 years old and my neighbour has has her for about 4 years. She came from Battersea along with her sister (we call her sister but they could well be mother and daughter). Shes really sweet natured and very affectionate but independant too (shes not over cuddly). When she wants affection though she stands on you! I have just been sitting on the sofa and she jumps up and puts her front paws on my lap and puts her face right in mine. She then tries to lick your face. Shes quite a solid girl so I often end up with paw shaped bruises :) When I first met her I thought she was a dominent girl but as I have got to know her I have changed my opinion as shes actually the more submissive of the 2 girls. When she jumps on me, I make her sit but she is clearly uncomfortable with sitting as she sort of tries to do what you ask but is soon standing on you again. Its like she cant control the urge to stand. We know theres nothing physically wrong as she has just been checked over.

Like I say, not a problem as shes a sweetie, just wondered if you had any thoughts.
Thanks

not sure what you mean by 'standing' on you but when my bitch wants attention she paws you constantly and you have to tickle her armpit for hours. if you stop she paws harder over and over and i bear many scratches/bruises. she is a dominant bitch and is im sure  just demanding attention.

If Loki or her daughter Vinnie are in the room when I'm on the computer, I'm forever having a nose stuck under my right elbow and my arm shoved up - and it HURTS!!!!   They are telling me that they want attention.....and they want it NOW!!

So, just to teach them that no, they cannot have all they want all the time - I have to put either one in the kitchen - and shut the door!

Margot

Tara has a very persistent nose too :D :D But we do sometimes use the word 'No' with some effect :D :D :D

Daisy

My afghan Zorro does exactly the same....it s when he wants a love. He is a bit bigger than a staffie though, so he towers over me and nibbles my ponytail

My bitch paws for attention too, then presents you with her bottom to have her rump rubbed.  If the *thwack* of the paw isn't enough to grab your attention (and it usually is, she's got a mean right hook on her ) then she'll try the less subtle method of attempting to climb on your knee...I do try to ignore her but it's tough to go about your normal business with 55kg+ of Newfoundland on your lap! :D

Thanks all.

Just to clarify one of your posts, when I say she stands on you I mean that if im sitting on the sofa she will get up next to me and stand on my legs. Just the front 2 paws but she puts her face right in mine I think im more intrigued about the fact that she seems to find it impossible to sit down when told, even though she has your attention and is being stroked etc, its like her body forces her to stand back up again. Just one of those funny little quirks they have I suppose :)

Love the image of the Newfie on your knee :)