Most dogs would rather be with their owners all the time. Sure enough, that’s the case. Your dog’s need to always be close by is very natural. It’s quite acceptable for him to follow you about the house. It’s fine if he wants to come in there and watch you use the restroom.
All of these activities are appropriate for dogs because they are social creatures who are keen observers. However, there may be times when this becomes an issue. If your dog starts following you everywhere you go and refuses to be apart from you, then know you have a clingy pooch on your hands.
Clingy dogs, sometimes known as “velcro” dogs, are a common behavioral issue that needs to be handled. It could be cute or fun at first, but it’s bound to get old fast. There are more concerns. There may be a more significant cause for your dog to be clingy. It’s important to remember that no dog is predisposed to excessive attachment, though some breeds may be more prone to it than others.
They become overly attached to you over time or after a specific event. Interestingly, it’s not always the dog’s fault if he or she becomes overly attached to you. Creating an overly connected dog may be a result of your own actions. It could be an indicator of a health problem in other cases.
Nonetheless, there are more causes, some of which can be easily remedied. Therefore, if you’ve ever wondered, “why is my dog so clingy?” Keep reading to find out!
5 Reasons Why Is My Dog So Clingy?
Numerous factors contribute to dogs developing unhealthy attachments. In this part, we’ll discuss several potential causes of your dog’s clinginess and offer some suggestions for working with your pet to reduce this issue.
1 – Boredom
This is one of the primary reasons why dogs tend to follow their people around. If they are restless and bored, they will start to follow you. That’s because they have nothing else to do than watch you, and you’re fascinating. They must have entertainment. When your dog is both physically and mentally bored, he or she may act in this way.
He deserves to enjoy life. He needs to burn off some energy by running about and playing with his toys. He also needs to be using his brain. This is a really easy problem to fix.
2 – They’re Waiting for Something Good
Remember how I said the dog’s attachment could be the owner’s fault? This is it, I suppose. If you always pet them, offer them compliments, tickle their bellies, cuddle them, and reward them with treats, they will want to spend more time with you. Despite the fact that this is a very apparent answer, many individuals choose to ignore it. Dogs, on the other hand, modify their actions in response to reinforcement.
If they remain by your side and are showered with love or given tasty food, they will see this as a reward. They will be more motivated to engage in this behavior as a result.
3 – Anxiety and Fear
These are two of the most common reasons why dogs develop attachment issues. When separated from their owners, many dogs experience anxiety and long for company. This could happen in the middle of something terrifying, like a thunderstorm or a fireworks display. After the rain stops or the pyrotechnics stop going off, their clinginess subsides.
It’s not always clear what sets them off, though. If they’re used to never being separated from you, they could panic when you’re not there. This could happen occasionally when people let their dogs sleep in bed with them. If your dog has been with you since they were young and has become accustomed to your presence, this may also happen.
4 – It’s Because of the Breed
When people wonder, “Why is my dog so clingy?” the answer may have nothing to do with the dog at all. Perhaps this is a common trait for dogs of your dog’s breed. Some dog breeds are predisposed to possessiveness because of their genetic makeup. Some common examples are watchdogs, hunting dogs, and small, companion animals.
All of these dogs were bred to accomplish something useful for humans, with the exception of toy breeds. They need guidance from their masters before they can help humans, hence they are dependent on those beings. Toy breeds including the Bichon Frise, Havanese, Pug, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, and Shih Tzu were created specifically as companion animals.
5 – Changes in Your Life
When you go through a huge life transition, your dog will go through a stressful period as well. Having a baby, adopting a new dog, or bringing another dog into the fold are all examples of life changes that necessitate a shift in routine. Changing your routine or moving to a new place are good places to start. It will take your new puppy some time to become used to his new surroundings.
Sleeping in the same spot night after night helps him get used to the house’s layout and his immediate environment. In addition, he learns your schedule and adjusts accordingly when you get up, go to work, come home, plays with him, etc. Canines appreciate being kept in the loop. They’re content with their regular schedules and homey surroundings.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my dog so clingy?” this list should help. If you suspect that your dog’s clinginess stems from a medical problem, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. This attachment behavior may be a symptom of deeper problems.
Use the tips in this article to assist your dog become less clingy if you suspect that boredom (or another benign reason) may be to blame. You’ll both benefit from his newfound gratitude for life.
