My dog is very attention needy. What are ways I can get it under control?
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Monitor your dog’s behavior and note down when she is at her most clingy. It may be that the problem is worse just before you leave for work, just after you get home or only in the presence of other dogs. To help her be less clingy, expose her to separation anxiety triggers. For example, if she is clingiest before you leave the house, put on your coat and grab your keys, but don’t leave. This behavior shows the dog that those triggers aren’t necessarily a precursor to periods of separation. Ignore her when she is being clingy. Make being at your side boring and non-stimulating. If you’ve previously responded to needy, attention-seeking behavior with attention or fuss, you may have accidentally trained your dog to be clingy. By ignoring the dog, you show her that her clinginess doesn’t get a positive outcome. Reward the dog for voluntarily separating herself from you. Leave distractions such as toys and treats around the house and wait for your dog to spot them. This tells the dog that his environment is most stimulating when he leaves your side. Encourage isolation by leaving the crate door open and placing a treat and some toys inside. Allow her to investigate at her own pace and make the crate a place where she wants to be. Kong toyes are excellent for encouraging your dog to entertain herself. They're sturdy rubber and can be stuffed with peanut butter to encourage long periods of chewing and licking. Praise her verbally once inside the crate. Leave the door open and allow her to exit the crate when she wishes. Repeat exposure to the crate. Once your dog is comfortable in the crate or in the basket and has built a positive association with it, close the door for five minutes, but don’t leave. Shut the dog in the crate or room for five minutes every day for a week. Each time you shut her in, move further away from the crate, but remain in sight. Shut the dog in the crate and leave the area. Return after five minutes and allow your dog out, but don’t be overly fussy. This demonstrates that periods of isolation are normal and they always end up with her being reconnected with you.
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