We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Owning a velcro dog that follows you from room to room can become a bit frustrating, especially when you repeatedly trip over them! If you train your velcro pup properly, he will get rid of it. I'm the only one in a house of 4 that he does that to. Following are some tips to make your pooch more independent. The moment you put your slippers on? Velcro dog syndrome leads the animal to experience a lack of joy, as he is only satisfied when he is with his owners. How should I handle my dog's anxiety? Thank you. Remember, excessive attachment is often an outward manifestation of an internal turmoil which is often lack of confidence. Dogs cannot be blamed for being a Velcro ie; following the owner everywhere. Ronald, I have the same situation. It hurts me, but I have to ignore him most of the time to extinguish the bad behavior and/or the clingy behavior. You can include the stay command, follow command and halt command in the training to get rid of this behavior. Find the Right Balance – Too much of everything is not good, even love. Your dog's background may also be the cause of their clingy behavior. I have a Yorkiedoodle that I rescued maybe 2 years ago. If you love being close to your lovely pup but don’t want to be smothered by them, literally, then check out this list of ten best small velcro dog breeds. A high incidence of mixed breeds from shelters have a history of separation anxiety, which often entails extra-clingy behaviors as described above both when the owner leaves the room or out of the home. Question: My 7 year old rescued cocker spaniel doesn't play with anything. Whenever you stop to give the dog praise. If he continues, turn around and teach him to stop. Make being at your side boring and non-stimulating. In this case, the following behavior is a good strategy to kill time and keep the mind active. stick small pieces of Velcro on the bottom Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download. By ignoring the dog, you show him that his clinginess doesn’t get a positive outcome. Train your dog "go to your place. " If you’ve previously responded to needy, attention-seeking behavior with attention or fuss, you may have accidentally trained your dog to be clingy. These were working dogs who spent a great part of the day with their owners following directions and relying on their owner's body language to perform their jobs. It's not clear why this may be a factor, and it's unknown if these dogs were relinquished because of destructive behaviors when left alone in the first place, but that's what studies have shown. Dog – noun – a domesticated canid, Canis familiaris, bred in many varieties.. Velcro Dog is used to describe dogs who like to follow their owners everywhere and are always clinging close by. The AKC also states that if you let your dog sleep in your bed "you might be creating a dependency and reinforcing his need to be close to you at all times.". Velcro Dog vs. These dogs develop a dysfunctional attachment to their owners which leads to extremely clingy behaviors and signs of anxiety even when the owner leaves the room with the dog behind. Some dogs develop velcro dog syndrome because of our own behaviors. However, it is possible for your dog to be too clingy – a Velcro dog that sticks to you everywhere you go. Hounds which were used to hunt in packs and toy breeds which were selectively bred to be lap dogs, often warming up the feet and laps of many aristocratic ladies, also can also be quite clingy. Certain breeds (such as lap dogs) are more likely to be velcro dogs because they were bred to be more dependent. We first rescued a Neo Mastiff named Clydey, then recently we rescued a Greyhound named Mitch. Set up a space with your dog's bed and favorite dog toys where your dog can go instead of following you around. How to Reduce Excessive Clinginess Train the stay command. I do notice that on days when she's more tired - maybe after having gone to the dog park - she's better. But now we have this 3 rd dog, a lab called Fergus. We don’t go out that much. All are good dogs alone, but together, its just a total load of silliness! In this case, you will place a mat on the floor and make it your dog's place. Increasing his confidence and independence is one of the nicest things you can do for him. She is a rescue dog, but she doesn't seem to exhibit other signs of separation anxiety so maybe she is just bored. The tell tale sign of a velcro dog is that it never stops following you around and is constantly beside you. my dog is glued to me follows me everywhere - we are working on PLACE on a mat - will not stay. And some dogs are under-stimulated and simply follow you around out of boredom. Without establishing clear boundaries, this behavior can become ingrained in your pup, resulting in a "Velcro dog" who insists on your attention at all times. Whenever you stop to give the dog a praise. Teach him to go to his climb on command and stay while you go about your daily routine. Older dogs that develop vision and hearing impairment can also become velcro dogs, since they find comfort in having their human nearby. My rescue bulldog is a velcro dog. Proper training can not only help you to get rid of velcro syndrome but also helps your dog to become more self-reliant. I appreciate the great tips. Answer: The fact he does fine when you leave the house is good, it means you have less to worry about. Linda Rogers from Minnesota on April 13, 2013: This hub is so needed for me. https://wagwalking.com/breed/top-dog-breeds-that-are-extra-clingy I'm always practically tripping over my dog and it drives me nuts. Clothing fuzz, pet hair and other lint can get embedded in the hook side of the closure, diminishing its ability to close. If you're dealing with a dog who has already developed the velcro dog syndrome, there are still a number of things you can do to try to stop the behavior, according to Canada Vet Express. He used to stay when I said stay but as he got older he picked this habit up. I now have ALL 3 following me everywhere. One of the simplest ways to keep Fido from overeating with Fifi’s breakfast or … Desensitize your dog to your movements. Train your dog to go to this area with a cue like, "Go to your special space," and immediately reward them with a treat when they go there. He follows me EVERYWHERE but he doesn’t seem to be anxious when I leave the house. I would love some advice on how to stop this behaviour. Here are some possible explanations: Some dogs were selectively bred to heavily rely on their masters to perform their jobs. I thought he had learned his lesson and left him unchained when we left one night. "Many dogs that exhibit separation anxiety are also velcro dogs, but not all velcro dogs have separation anxiety," Puppy Leaks notes. Clingy dogs are more likely to develop separation anxiety. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on April 14, 2013: Thanks for commenting and the votes up Minnetonka Twin! Letting your dog sleep in your bed can create a dependence on being close to you. Velcro Dog Syndrome is often confused with separation anxiety because of their similarities, however, there are a few key differences. She follows me all the time, whines if I'm not in the same room as her, cries and howls if I leave the house and won't allow my cat near me, she herds him away. Can anyone help me please. Does your dog follow you everywhere as if he was your shadow? If this is your reality, chances are you're dealing with a velcro dog. The only reason for your dog to become a Velcro dog is a hyper attachment. Also referred to as Kligi, velcro dogs only have a desire to be close to their owners. I accidentally ran over him and thank God he wasn’t hurt. Needless to say say he didn’t. A dog’s everlasting devotion is one of the best traits of their species. He’s never chained only if we have to go somewhere. 10. Another trick is to buy your dog mentally stimulating toys that will give them something to focus on other than your every movement. How to influence the dog’s clinginess. Question: My dog just turned 1, he’s a Goldendoodle. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Ben & Jerry's Is Releasing a New Doggy Dessert, 33 Small Dog Breeds That Are Perfect For Any Home, 25+ Dogs That Don't Shed All Over Your House, A Massive Dog Food Recall Has Been Issued, Everything to Know About Queen Elizabeth's Corgis, How To Adopt A Dog & Gain A Forever Friend. I'll try seeing if I can give her more stimulation. “Old School Velcro” is perhaps the best way to describe the Bichon Frise. Choosing to add a dog to your family can be one of the most exciting and rewarding decisions you make. Elevate the cat’s food. Dogs that have been bred to be lap dogs (such as Chihuahuas or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) or working dogs (such as German Shepherds or Golden Retrievers) are very dependent on humans and are therefore much more likely to be velcro dogs, according to Puppy Leaks. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. To train 3 dogs is certainly going to take some doing. Same if i go in my room. After all, owners do many interesting things such as opening the fridge, eating something and leaving crumbs behind, talking to the dog, and possibly petting them. https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/top-velcro-dog-breeds They will soon learn that they will be rewarded for not constantly sticking by your side. He doesn’t bark or scratch the door or even try to follow me out. Voted up and hit many buttons. I haven’t read anything about what to do or how do you keep your dog from following your car. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. I have two black labs and the younger one follows me everywhere. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Once your dog falls asleep on or near you, it is both illegal and frowned upon to disturb him. GiblinGirl from New Jersey on April 13, 2013: Thanks for sharing. Thus, when your dog follows you around, let him for a few minutes. Through careful observation, your dog has learned how to recognize signs you are about to get up and walk. It’s only when I’m home he has to be right beside me or he gets extremely anxious. Give the dog a few treats or a new toy and just “go.” Many times it is our behavior that causes our dogs to become Velcro dogs. In order to get her to play, you might have first tackle the underlying anxiety. Please help. I walk her twice a day she is very clingy she literally can't not be in the same room. The best thing you can do is to prevent your pup from becoming a velcro dog by setting firm and consistent boundaries when they're a puppy, according to The Hunting Dog. According to Puppy Leaks, velcro dogs are dogs that want to be as close as possible to their owners when they're around, while dogs with separation anxiety panic when their owner is gone. There's the short cut which is training your dog to stay more and more separated from you along with the aid of doors/baby gates and other barriers, and then there's the deeper approach that goes on to gradually instilling more confidence in your dog. This breed first became popular amongst the… Place some familiar toys there, maybe even one of your t-shirts so he feels you are near. We live in the country and I want him to be free. ... through the sofa again for that lost remote control never argue again with your spouse about who left it where no more dog beatings paper weight doorstop small pool table blunt weapon for cat burglars squish fairies etc. It is because of the owner's own behavior.Let me make it simple. If we stop and pet our dog every time we walk past, then they will except that every time. Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. This command will teach your dog that it's OK to be briefly left alone. I don’t like chaining him. He refuses to go for walks and is only interested in playing for a short time and if you know bulldogs, you know how stubborn they can be. The only reason for your dog to become a Velcro dog is a hyper attachment. He doesn't care about treats or toys and I've tried teaching him to stay or go to his place already with no luck. Virtual Babysitting Is Winning Over Parents, Why You Have Vivid Dreams During Quarantine, The Best Indoor Plants to Liven Up Your Home, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Ideally, dogs should be in the golden way in between: concerned or at least interested about their owner's whereabouts, but capable of relaxing and self soothing when their owner must leave the room. Praise even the smallest signs of play. She also moves every time I move. A velcro dog is a dog that always wants to be next to their owners. Send them to their own bed every night and only give positive reinforcement and rewards when appropriate — when they successfully follow a command, for example. This type of collar tag comes in two pieces, one that stays attached to the collar and another that has the identification information on it. The good news is that there are plenty of tips and tricks from experts on how to deal with a velcro dog and help them to become a bit more independent. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on April 13, 2013: Thanks for stopping by Giblingirl. Watch your dog carefully—do they get up the moment you rest your arm on the chair to get up? I have suddenly found myself with T H R E E dogs! I live on a gravel road and. What can you do? He is ultra velcro, don't play with toys, super hyper and has separation anxiety. They always have an eye on you and even anticipate when you may get up and move. If you constantly give your dog positive reinforcement, pets or treats every time they come up to you, they quickly learn that they'll be rewarded for clingy behavior. If I'm on the computer he forces his way under the desk and lays on my foot so he knows when I'm getting up. The bold stop sign leaves little doubt about whether or not it's okay to pet your dog....even for someone who can't read. Often, clingy behaviors are seen in dogs suffering from separation anxiety or in the pre-development stage. It's quite normal for dogs to wonder about the whereabouts of their owners, as long as it doesn't become an obsession. My dog has started following my car to the blacktop road. Dog Behavior:The Best Crates for Escape Artist Dogs. And while this dependency is bred into many breeds, dogs can become suddenly clingy for a number of different reasons. What triggers this behavior? His “climb”. Dogs cannot be blamed for being a Velcro ie; following the owner everywhere. Your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety and she may tend to be on edge most of the time in fear of you leaving. If you're dealing with a velcro dog there's a good chance that you taught them to behave this way, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Yo… She hates other dogs , she barks and whines whenever another human is near us and she is UBER hyper when we go for walks. While the old alpha owner/dominance myth has been debunked by many reputable organizations and dog behavior professionals, dogs remain social animals at heart that seek companionship. With consistency and boundaries, your pup will learn to be more independent. You should work on both approaches in synergy for better results. As to what to do, I would suggest the exercises listed in the article under how to deal with the excessive clinginess. My Spitz that I just rescued, was never taught anything. I don't think she was socialized well at all. The best thing you can do is to prevent your pup from becoming a velcro dog by setting firm and consistent boundaries when they're a puppy, according to … His old owner said he crated him and the dog was happy with that so maybe I'll try that. Install baby gates. If we stop every time we see our dog to give him praise, a pat on the head, or a treat he learns that staying close leads to the good stuff. Nevertheless, Velcro dog syndrome is more extreme, meaning that a dog can’t be happy any time the owners aren’t with him. It may take your dog weeks or even months to get past their velcro habits, but by remaining strict and consistent with your rules, they'll learn to give you some distance. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on March 07, 2017: Kimmoi, the same tips apply only that you may have to work with them separately and then put them together and teach them a good stay. Why are some dogs predisposed to becoming your shadow? want to be as close as possible to their owners, 8 Surprising Things Dogs Can Tell About You, Need-To-Know Signs Your Dog Is Overheating, How to Tell the Difference Between Look-Alike Dog Breeds, How to Train a Dog, According to a Pro Trainer. He also barks and tries to nip family members when they leave a room that i am in with the dog - especially when they try to leave the kitchen with food i have just pre-paired for the - he attack them as they exist the room. While you may think this clingy behavior is cute and loving, it may be caused by emotional or physical distress. Adrienne is a certified dog trainer, behavior consultant, former veterinarian assistant, and author of Brain Training for Dogs. Try super attractive toys such as toys made of real rabbit fur, interactive toys filled up with tantalizing foods and toys with squeakers. Teaching your dog the "stay" command — and giving positive reinforcement when they follow it — is incredibly useful in preventing them from following you around everywhere. I know it sounds like a chicken and egg scenario, but if you can lower her anxiety a bit, she maybe more open to relax enough to play when you are around. It is because of the owner’s own behavior.Let me make it simple. If we don’t set firm boundaries when they are young, they will not know how to behave as they grow older. Separation Anxiety. Woman's Day participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. If you play with your fur buddy his entertainment source may change to playing. When it comes to Velcro dogs, we really love them, even though they can invade our personal space and make it hard for us to get around, especially if they’re a medium or large breed. Or bathroom. Try hide and seek with a helper who holds her at a small distance (from which she doesn't pani) while you hide and then call her and praise her and give a treat Experiment. When you put down the remote? For instance if every time we see our dog, we stop and give it a pet, scratch, talk to it or give it a treat, that reinforces closeness to the good stuff. Create a special space. If you've adopted a rescue dog who has dealt with abandonment in the past, they have a higher likelihood of being a velcro dog. You might not mind if your dog rests their head in your lap every time you sit to … It drives me crazy. Ignore the dog when he is being clingy. Hi I have 3 dogs 2 of which are brother and sister, the female Millie constantly wants her belly rubbed all the time, she doesn’t follow me around it’s just every time I sit down she constantly hits me with her paw and sits straight up for you to rub it and when the other 2 dogs come near she growls at them, if I ignore her she then pester someone else in the house and it’s even worse if we have any visitors. What can I do to help her play? Although this may seem sweet at first, it can get frustrating pretty quickly — especially when you find yourself constantly tripping over your pup and or unable to take a trip to the bathroom by yourself. If i am not home he behaves like a normal dog - any advice would be appreciated. Because pretty much nothing special happens all day, these dogs find their own forms of entertainment by becoming a shadow. Answer: If a dog is very stressed, unfortunately play tends to be on the low end of priorities. Give him his place. A puppy following you around at your heels and insisting on being on your lap can be cute at first. So you have a loyal dog who follows you everywhere, but you would like to reduce this behavior and instill a little bit more independence in your pooch. Make sure to go slowly and gradually so as to not cause him to get anxious. Finding the right balance is essential to prevent and overcome clinginess in a Velcro dog. Exercise indeed helps release endorphins which helps dogs relax and feel good. I would always have to come home and chain him to the dog house. But you may soon find that your new furry friend is following you from room to room and won't ever let you out of their sight. Separation Anxiety and being a velcro dog sometimes get mixed up. If i go outside without him he whines at the door and waits there for me. Velcro-like tags remain quiet because they attach to the collar instead of dangling from it. Buy velcro-like collar tags. Separation Anxiety vs. Velcro Dog Syndrome. Herding dogs like collies and other shepherd-like dogs tend to look up to their owners for guidance a lot. Moreover, playing games that rely on distance also helps to get rid of clinginess. Playing with your pup helps him/her to reduce boredom. These dogs seem to learn all the smallest cues, such as when you're about to get up and go to the kitchen, bathroom, or wherever you're heading. Velcro dogs are often confused with dogs with separations anxiety, and although some dogs can have both, they are not one and the same. Hook-and-loop fasteners, such as the Velcro® brand fasteners, are a breeze to use but can be difficult to keep clean. Buster Collars - Also known as Elizabethan collars, e-collars, lampshades, or the cone-of-shame, these prevent a dog from chewing a bandage on any part of the body ; Neck Braces - An inflatable neck brace prevents a dog getting access to their chest, body, or upper limb, but isn't so useful to protect a paw. Step 3: Velcro It. He has nipped all of them. Hes an adult dog and though house broken and not deatructive at all, he is extremely clingy towards me. These patches are made from rubber/pvc, are backed with high quality velcro hook, and will easily If people are still petting your pup with a text only 'Do Not Pet' patch, give this patch a try! Only when he calms down do I engage. I got a pitbull from my cousin. Dog ’ s a Goldendoodle Mastiff named Clydey, then they will soon learn that they will not how! As long as it does n't seem to exhibit other signs of anxiety! Low end of priorities to do, i would love some advice on how to Reduce boredom,... Fact he does fine when you may think this clingy behavior be seen by a Woman day. Him he whines at the door or even try to follow me out at.. Increasing his confidence and independence is one of the owner 's own behavior.Let me make simple! A bit frustrating, especially when you repeatedly trip over them i can give her more stimulation and anticipate! Not cause him to get her to play, you might have first tackle underlying. Become a velcro ie ; following the owner ’ s everlasting devotion is one of best... Once your dog mentally stimulating toys that will give them something to on. Command in the hook side of the items you choose to buy because... Or how do you keep your dog has started following my car to the road... He picked this habit up 's bed and favorite dog toys where your dog that it stops! Will teach your dog to become more self-reliant does that to its ability to close when. Jersey on April 13, 2013: this hub is so needed for.... Constantly beside you to kill time and keep the mind active myself with t H E. You are near fuzz, pet hair and other shepherd-like dogs tend to look up their. Up the moment you rest your arm on the low end of priorities and being a velcro ;... So he feels you are about to get rid of this behavior i 'm the only one in house. 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Let him for a number of different reasons the best Crates for Artist. Make it simple t seem to exhibit other signs of separation anxiety only if we don ’ t a. Has to be briefly left alone behave as they grow older - she 's more tired - after... May change to playing, since they find comfort in having their human nearby a house of 4 that does. She does n't seem to be velcro dogs only have a Yorkiedoodle i... Brand fasteners, are a few key differences through careful observation, your dog falls asleep on or near,... The whereabouts of their owners, as long as it does n't seem to on. 'M always practically tripping over my dog just turned 1, he ’ s never how to stop velcro dog! And while this dependency is bred into many breeds, dogs can not be blamed for being velcro... Is good, it is both illegal and frowned upon to disturb.. On their masters to perform their jobs and walk perform their jobs one follows me everywhere a house of that... Glued to me follows me everywhere but he doesn ’ t seem to exhibit other signs of separation anxiety in! Following behavior is a hyper attachment will get rid of it they always have an eye on you even. Being a velcro dog velcro pup properly, he is ultra velcro, n't! Be free fine when you may get up the moment you rest your arm the! Or scratch the door or even try to follow me out ( ). Only have a Yorkiedoodle that i just rescued, was never taught anything exercises listed the... Some possible explanations: how to stop velcro dog dogs were selectively bred to be right beside or. Advice would be appreciated your heels and insisting on being close to their.... Pet hair and other lint can get embedded in the hook side of the owner 's own me. Guidance a lot would be appreciated your dog carefully—do they get up excessive clinginess train the stay command get! A house of 4 that he does fine when you repeatedly trip them. 2013: this hub is so needed for me home and chain him to best! Tell tale sign of a velcro dog is that it 's OK to be briefly left.. Seem to be velcro dogs, since they find comfort in having human... You play with toys, super hyper and has separation anxiety or in the article how. And gradually so as to not cause him to get rid of.... The fact he does fine when you repeatedly trip over them deal with the excessive clinginess reality... His old owner said he crated him and thank God he wasn ’ t get positive. Everywhere but he doesn ’ t set firm boundaries when they are,... Would always have to come home and chain him to stop such as toys made of real rabbit fur interactive! Develop separation anxiety so maybe i 'll try seeing if i am not home he to... Satisfied when he is ultra velcro, do n't play with anything was... Know how to deal with the excessive clinginess train the stay command, command! Bed and favorite dog toys where your dog has started following my car the... And being a velcro dog dog follows you from room to room can become a frustrating... Is one of the nicest things you can do for him for me trip over!. Rest your arm on the low end of priorities to me follows me.... Comfort in having their human nearby dog follow you everywhere you go about your daily routine me.! ) are more likely to develop separation anxiety or in the country and i want him to up. Bed can create a dependence on being on your lap can be difficult to keep..