Why is Your Dog So Clingy?

Dog owners typically accept that their canines will have more needs and require more daily interaction than more independent, hands-off pets. For example, one would expect to invest more responsibility in a dog than a cat or small animal. Individual dogs, however, may have varying levels of dependency and independence--it all comes down to their individual personality and past experiences. But what do you do when your dog is detrimentally clingy, and how did they become like that in the first place?

What does a Clingy dog do?

Picture this: you're unable to go anywhere in your house without your dog sticking to you like Velcro. If you don't have to picture this at all, because you experience it every day, you may have a clingy dog. Your pup may not be able to find peace and calm unless their body is touching yours. They become a constant shadow to you. Sometimes, in extreme situations, they develop possessiveness, aggression, or serious separation anxiety. For these reasons and many more, it is imperative to learn what you can do to remedy an especially needy dog.

A recent, sudden change might warrant a vet visit.

For the most part, we're assuming that your dog has always been clingy, at least for as long as you can remember them being like that. But if your dog suddenly becomes needy and cannot leave your side, this might signal a larger issue. Consult your vet about the behavioral change. It could signal an underlying health problem. In other cases, your vet may want to explore medication options for conditions such as chronic anxiety. This is because clinging and over-dependence are also oftentimes related to anxiety in dogs; an anxious dog may not feel safe and thus, seeks out the comfort of its owner.

Some breeds have a clingy reputation.

Believe it or not, but temperament is largely genetic in dogs--it does not all come down to how they are raised. Some breeds of dogs have a reputation for being more independent and aloof, while others may be more prone to clinging and anxiety. It's important to note, however, that needy behaviors may occur in any breed, so this is not a hard and fast rule.

Yet if your dog is super clingy, and from a breed that holds a needy reputation, consult with experienced professionals that know that breed well. For example, if you have a German Shepherd that won't stop clinging, consult German Shepherd breeders and other canine professionals who have enough experience with the breed to give you a proper consultation.

A knowledgeable trainer can help.

If anxiety, for example, is the root cause of your dog's neediness, medication alone may not be sufficient enough to reduce that. A seasoned trainer would be able to observe your dog's behavior and make recommendations tailored to your specific circumstances. This is one of the upsides of using a trainer versus training your dog based off of online material--having a trainer evaluate your dog in-person means you're getting a personalized plan.

For example, one thing a trainer is likely to recommend is that you don't reward your dog's needy behaviors. That means that when your dog is jumping on you, encroaching on your personal space, or otherwise begging for an excessive amount of attention, you shouldn't give it to them. Withholding that affection might spark guilt. However, remember that you're not doing anything wrong--you're simply helping your dog learn what is expected of them.

Be mindful of any jealousy-creating situations.

Jealousy might be a reason for your dog deciding to suddenly cling close without end. For example, if you've brought home a new pet, new baby, or otherwise had some sort of recent household addition, your dog's clinging to you may be fueled by their desire to win your attention. In this instance, they're not just trying to win your attention; they're trying to make sure you're aware that they feel like a priority. If this is the case, make sure that you're addressing any new situations where jealousy might arise in the household. Consult a vet or dog behaviorist if you suspect that this is the case.

Avoid anything that encourages clinging.

When your dog begs excessively for attention, try to politely turn your back on them until they become calm and give you distance. If you give your dog attention immediately when they demand it, this may become positive reinforcement that encourages the behavior. Try your best to detect behaviors of your own that may accidentally be rewarding your dog's unwanted behavior. That way, your dog has the best chance to learn how to feel safe and independent.

Above all, never give up!

Just because your dog is suffering through excessive neediness and clingy behaviors now does not mean that they will always be that way. With training and dedication, you should be able to see lasting results that will restore order in your household, and give you a little bit more personal space.

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This article was written by K. Howard for Top Gun Dog Training.