Our Murphy is a bit pushy and used to bark/growl at us for attention. Our trainer recommended either ignoring him or putting him in a "time out" (away from you in another room, or leashed up to a door or piece of furniture with a tie-down). Both techniques have worked REALLY well for us. The time-out isn't negative in the way that physical punishment is, but no dog wants to be separated from you. Now, if Murphy barks for attention, we simply say "Want a time-out?" and he stops!