Be conscious of what you're rewarding

When your pet is trying to get your attention, ask yourself this question, "Do I want this particular behavior to increase or decrease?"

For example, if you want your pet's vocalization and pawing at doors to decrease, then ignore those behaviors. As tempting as it is, do not even look at your pet. Eye contact alone is enough attention to encourage your pet to continue a behavior.

Instead, encourage behaviors you do want. Ignore your pet's unwanted behaviors until they stop. Then, give your pet an instruction or wait until your pet sits quietly before rewarding him with eye contact, praise or a treat.

Your pet will learn to offer those good behaviors you want instead of behaviors that no longer work to get what he wants.

(Animal behavior e xperts S usan and Dr. Rolan Tripp ar e the au thors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)