Adam Spivey, a dog trainer with over two million followers on TikTok, has introduced a training technique aimed at helping pet owners manage 'needy behavior' in dogs. According to Spivey, many owners inadvertently encourage their dogs' attention-seeking antics by petting them during misbehavior.
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In a recent TikTok video titled "How to stop needy behaviour," Spivey, who is the Director and Head Trainer at Southend Dog Training, demonstrates an exercise for handling pushy dogs. In the clip, he describes how some dogs can be overly demanding, making it difficult for owners to relax.
Spivey advises, "I'm not gonna give him what he wants right now, so I'm just gonna block until he does something I like, which is stop getting in my face, stop climbing all over me, stop being pushy, stop being needy." He emphasizes the importance of rewarding calm behavior rather than giving in to demands for attention.
He explains that dogs often misbehave because they receive what they want without effort. To correct this, he suggests giving attention only when the dog is calm and not being disruptive. He clarifies that this approach does not mean eliminating cuddling or affection but rather conditioning the dog to behave appropriately before receiving it.
The video has gained significant traction, amassing over 20,000 views and numerous positive comments from viewers on social media. Many expressed gratitude for the advice, with one owner noting, "This is my pup through and through. The minute I sit down, he’s climbing over me. On my head and all sorts, it’s very exhausting." Another said, "I needed to see this video! Thank you."
Spivey’s training concepts have resonated with many dog owners, inspiring them to implement the techniques demonstrated in his videos.