Let’s be sincere: You type of love how your dog is subtle consumed with you. It’s not a tension to have an animal love you a lot they never ever wish to leave your side. If this explains your canine, you might have a “velcro dog” (frequently called this since they’re constantly connected to you). But why is your dog so clingy? Is this a healthy method for your family pet to exist? And what makes sure dogs clingier than others?
“Some dogs are clingy their whole lives, and some are just clingy in certain situations,” says Mindy Waitelicensed dog behaviorist, of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Clinginess can be bothersome in nature, she describes, or may be brought on by more safe factors. “For example,” she says, “it might be that the dog is naturally curious about what you’re doing all the time because your behavior produces interesting things.”
Maybe you don’t actually mind your family pet’s clinginess, however question if it’s cause for issue. “Many people love clingy dogs and don’t want to change this behavior,” says Lubbock, Texas vet Dr. Jamie Whittenburg. “However, if the behavior is caused by stress, pain, or fear, then the root cause of the problem should be identified and addressed.”
Here are some reasons that your family pet may be acting clingy, and what you can do about it.
Key triggers and services for clingy dog habits
1. Lack of psychological stimulation
“Dogs need mental stimulation to stay engaged and satisfied,” says Denver-based vet Dr. Alejandro Caos of The Vets. A canine requires a lot of interactive play and other activities, or it might look for continuous attention and end up being clingy, he includes.
What to do: “Increase the dog’s daily enrichment,” says Kait Hembree, head of training at GoodPupin Connelly Springs, North Carolina. Look for interactive dog toys your family pet can have fun with by themselves, like puzzle toys, hide-and-seek toys and treat-dropping toys.
2. Separation stress and anxiety
Separation stress and anxiety in dogs is a typical behavioral problem that takes place when dogs experience distress or stress and anxiety when far from their owners or when left alone, says Caos. When you’re not around, they may likewise participate in harmful habits, bark or cry exceedingly, speed and urinate (when they’re not expected to), he describes.
What to do: This can be a complicated condition. To handle separation stress and anxiety in dogs, a thorough technique consisting of ecological management, expert knowledge and possibly medication can be needed, according to Caos.
One thing you can do at home, says vet Dr. Sabrina Kong of Tracy, California, is to “create a safe space” for your puppy where the dog can go whenever they’re feeling nervous. “This might be a crate (if your dog is crate trained), a specific room or just a comfortable bed,” she says. “This should be where your dog feels safe and comfortable, and it can help to have familiar items like toys or blankets there.”
3. Lack of workout
“If your dog doesn’t receive adequate exercise, it may seek constant attention as a way to release its pent-up energy,” says Caos.
Physical workout is very crucial so a dog can burn their energy every day, says Hembree. When they don’t have those outlets, she includes, then they will look for options, such as attention from their owners.
What to do: The option here is basic enough; simply ensure your dog gets enough everyday workout, whether that’s through opting for strolls or chasing after a ball in the yard (if you can’t take your dog for routine jaunts, think about employing a dog walker). Regular workout can help to decrease clingy dog habits.
4. Dog’s age
“Age is certainly a contributing factor as older dogs are generally more confident than younger dogs given their life experiences,” says Hembree. “They are more inclined to do their own thing without their guardians.”
Not all puppies are clingier than their older equivalents, however this habits is regularly seen in younger dogs, says Whittenburg. “This is because they are used to being with their mother and littermates and have yet to adjust to a daily routine that includes isolation.”
What to do: “Puppies tend to naturally follow their people around during certain stages, and it’s important that owners help puppies learn that it’s OK to be alone,” says Waite. “They can do this by ensuring the puppy is fed, tired and pottied, then putting the puppy in a designated quiet, comfy space with a safe chewy. Over time, many puppies will learn that the space indicates it’s time to rest and that they are OK without their owner.”
5. Inconsistent limits
As Caos describes, “inconsistent rules and boundaries can confuse your dog and contribute to clinginess. If you allow your dog to be clingy in certain situations but discourage it in others, they may struggle to understand the desired behavior. Consistency is key in establishing clear expectations and boundaries.”
What to do: It’s everything about staying with the guidelines you set. Let’s state you don’t desire your dog on the sofa. You can’t make an exception sometimes when you desire business while you see television; this needs to be a regularly used guideline. You may likewise attempt teaching your dog to follow particular commands, especially “wait” (which can be particularly helpful if you desire your clingy dog to stop following you through entrances).
6. Inadvertent support
Many dog owners are guilty of this. “I think we can all agree that we like 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 these can serve as reinforcement for our dogs.”
What to do: “If you give your dog constant attention and reinforce their clingy behavior with praise, petting or treats whenever they demand it, they may learn that being clingy gets them what they want,” cautions Caos. “While it’s important to provide love and attention, it’s equally important to encourage independent behavior and establish boundaries.” That indicates not giving up whenever when your clingy dog tries for your attention.
7. Clingy dog types
It’s real that some dog types tend to be more clingy or based on their owners, according to Caos. “Breeds that are known for their loyalty, such as certain companion or working breeds,” he says, “may naturally display more clinginess.”
What to do: While there are absolutely qualities related to particular types, Whittenburg says, remember that each dog is a specific with their own character and experiences. “Because the problem could be behavioral or medical, no training plan should be put in place until you have identified why the behavior is occurring,” says Waite. Consult a vet or qualified dog behaviorist to come up with a treatment strategy that works for your family pet.
Even if you don’t mind your dog’s clinginess all that much in basic, there are reasons that you may wish to deal with it. As Hembree explains, “it can become cumbersome when dogs are not comfortable being without their guardians even if it isn’t about staying in the home alone. What about vacations? Or if they need to be left at their veterinary hospital?” Teaching your clingy dog to be more independent might benefit the both of you.
