Let’s be honest: You kind of love the way your dog is quietly obsessed with you. It’s not a bad feeling to have a creature that adores you so much that it never wants to leave you. If this describes your dog, you might have a “Velcro dog” (often called that because he’s always attached to you). But why is your dog so clingy? Is this a healthy way for your pet to exist? And what makes some dogs clingy than others?
“Some dogs are clingy all their lives, and others are just clingy in certain situations,” says Mindy Waite, certified dog behaviorist, from Waukesha, Wisconsin. Adherence can be problematic in nature, she explains, or can be caused by more innocuous reasons. “For example,” she says, “the dog may be naturally curious about what you do all the time because your behavior produces interesting things. »
Maybe your pet’s clingy behavior doesn’t really bother you, but you’re wondering if it’s a cause for concern. “Many people love clingy dogs and don’t want to change that behavior,” says Lubbock, a Texas veterinarian. Dr. Jamie Whittenburg. “However, if the behavior is caused by stress, pain or fear, the root cause of the problem must be identified and treated.”
Here are some reasons why your pet may be clingy and what you can do about it.
Top Causes and Solutions of Clingy Dog Behavior
1. Lack of mental stimulation
“Dogs need mental stimulation to stay engaged and satisfied,” says Denver veterinarian Dr. Alejandro Caos. Vets. A dog needs lots of interactive play and other activities, otherwise he may seek constant attention and become clingy, he adds.
What to do: “Increase the dog’s daily enrichment,” says Kait Hembree, training manager at BonPup, in Connelly Springs, North Carolina. Find interactive information dog toys your pet can play alone, such as puzzles, hide-and-seek toys and treat toys.
2. Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety in dogs is a common behavioral problem that occurs when dogs experience distress or anxiety when they are away from their owners or when left alone, Caos explains. When you are not around, they may also engage in destructive behavior, barking or crying excessively, walking and urinate (when they’re not supposed to), he explains.
What to do: This can be a complex condition. To deal with separation anxiety in dogs, a comprehensive approach including environmental management, professional expertise and potentially medicine may be necessary, according to Caos.
One thing you can do at home, says the vet Dr. Sabrina Kong of Tracy, California, is about “creating a safe space” for your puppy where the dog can go whenever he feels anxious. “This could be a crate (if your dog is crate trained), a specific room, or just a comfortable bed,” she says. “This should be the place where your dog feels safe and comfortable, and it can be helpful to have familiar objects like toys or blankets.”
3. Lack of exercise
“If your dog doesn’t get enough exercise, he may seek constant attention to release his pent-up energy,” says Caos.
Physical exercise is extremely important for a dog to expend energy on a daily basis, says Hembree. When they don’t have these outlets, she adds, they then look for alternatives, such as attention from their owners.
What to do: The solution here is quite simple; just make sure your dog gets enough exercise daily, whether that’s going walks or chasing a ball in the garden (if you can’t take your dog for regular escapades, consider hire a dog walker). Regular exercise can help reduce dog clingy behavior.
4. Age of dog
“Age is definitely a contributing factor, as older dogs are generally more confident than younger dogs, given their life experiences,” says Hembree. “They are more likely to do their own thing without their guardians.”
Not all puppies are more clingy than their older counterparts, but this behavior is commonly seen in younger dogs, says Whittenburg. “This is because they are used to being with their mother and littermates and still have to adjust to a daily routine that includes isolation.”
What to do: “Puppies tend to naturally follow their humans at certain stages, and it’s important for owners to help puppies learn that it’s okay to be alone,” says Waite. “They can do this by making sure the puppy is fed, tired and potty, then placing him in a designated quiet, comfortable space with a safe chew toy. Over time, many puppies will learn that space indicates that it is time to rest and that they are fine without their owner.
5. Inconsistent boundaries
As Caos explains, “Inconsistent rules and boundaries can confuse your dog and contribute to his clingy nature. If you allow your dog to be clingy in some situations but discourage him in others, he may have difficulty understanding the desired behavior. Consistency is key to setting clear expectations and boundaries.
What to do: It’s all about respecting the rules you set. Let’s say you don’t want your dog on the couch. You can’t make an exception from time to time when you need company while you watch TV; it must be a rule applied consistently. You can also try teaching your dog to follow certain commands, including “wait” (which can be especially helpful if you want your clingy dog to stop following you through doorways).
6. Involuntary reinforcement
Many dog owners are guilty of this. “I think we can all agree that we love it when our dogs seek us out,” says Hembree. “It makes us feel wanted and needed, and we return that feeling by engaging our dogs with pets, praise, and our own adoration. All of this can serve as reinforcement for our dogs.
What to do: “If you give your dog constant attention and reinforce his clingy behavior with praise, petting, or treats every time he asks, he may learn that being clingy gets him what he wants,” Caos warns. . “While it is important to provide love and attention, it is equally important to encourage independent behavior and establish boundaries.” This means not giving in every time your clingy dog makes a bid for your attention.
7. Clingy Dog Breeds
It’s true that some dog breeds tend to be more clingy or dependent on their owners, according to Caos. “Breeds known for their loyalty, such as certain companion or working breeds,” he says, “may naturally demonstrate more clinging.”
What to do: While there are certainly characteristics associated with certain breeds, Whittenburg says, keep in mind that each dog is an individual with their own personality and experiences. “Since the problem may be behavioral or medical, no training plan should be put into place until you have identified the reason for the behavior,” Waite says. Consult a veterinarian or certified canine behaviorist to develop a treatment plan that works for your pet.
Even if your dog’s clingy personality doesn’t usually bother you much, there are reasons why you might want to work on it. As Hembree points out, “It can become tedious when dogs don’t feel comfortable without their guardians, even if it’s not staying home alone. And vacations ? Or if they should be left at their veterinary hospital? Teaching your clingy dog to be more independent could benefit both of you.