For the most part having a velcro dog is no big deal — it just means your dog wants to be by your side. But there are some instances where you might want your dog to keep their distance, and to do that you can teach your dog to be more independent.
Clinginess becomes a problem when it progresses to separation anxiety. If a clingy dog starts becoming anxious or panicky when left alone, it's time to suspect separation anxiety and seek professional behavioral help. A veterinary behaviorist can help you implement behavioral modifications to reduce the anxiety.
Velcro dogs also have a greater chance of experiencing separation anxiety and acting out when left alone. This could mean damage to your home, a kennel or to the pet themselves (via excessive self-licking or chewing). If the clingy behavior is new and uncommon, give the pet a quick look-over.
Velcro dog is a term used to describe an overly clingy dog. If your dog follows you every second of every day, to the point that you never have a moment alone, you have a Velcro dog. If your dog follows you more closely than your own shadow and you find that sometimes you even trip over your pup, you have a Velcro dog.
Dogs who dealt with abandonment in the past may become velcro dogs. Your dog's background may also be the cause of their clingy behavior. 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 need to kind-of make yourself “boring” to him. If you're not constantly reaching down to pet his head, talking to him, giving him things, he should eventually lose interest and begin to wander off. Don't neglect his need for affection, but, rather, try not to constantly “dote”.
Known as “Velcro Dogs,” Aussies may form an almost fanatical attachment to their family. This can lead to his mistrust of, and misbehavior toward, strangers. It's important to properly socialize your Aussie as a puppy and to keep introducing him to others outside his immediate family.
It's not uncommon for certain breeds to over-attach to their owners, particularly dogs in the working or herding groups that are bred to work side-by-side with their humans.
These extra clingy dogs, often called Velcro dogs, just have to be near their humans all the time to be happy. If you go to the bathroom, they are there. When you get up and walk, you may even trip over them. These dog breeds love their humans above all else.
The Vizsla is the pooch that the term 'velcro dog' was invented for. Originally from Hungary, they will stick to their owner's side through thick and thin - from walking and swimming, to curling up on the couch for an evening nap.
“In my experience, the four most common breeds of dogs that exhibit signs of separation anxiety are typically Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas (both mixed breeds and standards), German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels”, says Dr.
If your dog follows you around from room to room chances are they're a velcro dog. Also referred to as being clingy, velcro dogs simply have a desire to be close to their owners. Certain breeds (such as lap dogs) are more likely to be velcro dogs because they've been bred to be more dependent.
Sometimes, dogs are simply clingy because we allow them to be, by giving them a little too much attention. The acceptable amount of clinginess is truly up to you; if it's becoming a problem, you may need to cut back on petting them every time they're near. It's important to set boundaries.
Do puppies grow out of separation anxiety? Unfortunately, puppies don't just grow out of separation anxiety. If you leave it untreated, it will likely just get worse, and it certainly won't get any better! However, thankfully, it's not too difficult to treat and just takes a little TLC and training.
Dogs are clingy for three basic reasons. Your dog may have great anxiety about being left alone. Various illnesses may cause the dog to seek comfort from your companionship. And a female dog about to be in heat may tend to stick closer to her owner.
Dogs choose their favorite people based on positive interactions and socialization they have shared in the past. Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialization period.
They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners. Dogs feel love and gratitude towards you, just like you feel towards them.
There is nothing unhealthy about being attached to our pets, unless the attachment is unreasonable, interferes with our ability to relate to others or gets in the way of our daily functioning. Wonderful as it is, love for a pet is not a suitable substitute for human companionship.
Starting around 12 weeks, your puppy is less fearful and is becoming more curious and independent. He has a lot to figure out, including his place in the family pecking order.
Attention Seekers
Aussies can be very clingy. They crave human companionship and love being included in pretty much everything you do, including being involved in all family activity. Since they require an active lifestyle, they will want to join in everything and anything that is going on around them.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
Many dog owners view dogs' licking as a sign of affection similar to kissing. Obsessive licking may be a sign of underlying issues, including anxiety, boredom, or fear. Trick training is an effective way to redirect problem licking in a positive way.