Let’s be honest: You kind of love how your dog is low-key obsessed with you. It’s not a bad feeling to have a creature adore you so much they never want to leave your side. If this describes your canine, you could have a “velcro dog” (often called this because they’re always attached to you). But why is your dog so clingy? Is this a healthy way for your pet to exist? And what makes certain dogs clingier than others?
“Some dogs are clingy their whole lives, and some are just clingy in certain situations,” says Mindy Waite, certified dog behaviorist, of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Clinginess can be problematic in nature, she explains, or might be caused by more harmless reasons. “For example,” she says, “it might be that the dog is naturally curious about what you’re doing all the time because your behavior produces interesting things.”
Maybe you don’t really mind your pet’s clinginess, but wonder if it’s cause for concern. “Many people love clingy dogs and don’t want to change this behavior,” says Lubbock, Texas veterinarian Dr. Jamie Whittenburg. “However, if the behavior is caused by stress, pain, or fear, then the root cause of the problem should be identified and addressed.”
Here are some reasons why your pet might be acting clingy, and what you can do about it.
Key causes and solutions for clingy dog behavior
1. Lack of mental stimulation
“Dogs need mental stimulation to stay engaged and satisfied,” says Denver-based veterinarian Dr. Alejandro Caos of The Vets. A canine needs plenty of interactive play and other activities, or it may seek constant attention and become clingy, he adds.
What to do: “Increase the dog’s daily enrichment,” says Kait Hembree, head of training at GoodPup, in Connelly Springs, North Carolina. Look for interactive dog toys your pet can play with on their own, like puzzle toys, hide-and-seek toys and treat-dropping toys.
2. Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety in dogs is a common behavioral issue that occurs when dogs experience distress or anxiety when away from their owners or when left alone, says Caos. When you’re not around, they might also engage in destructive behavior, bark or cry excessively, pace and urinate (when they’re not supposed to), he explains.
What to do: This can be a complex condition. To deal with separation anxiety in dogs, a comprehensive approach including environmental management, professional expertise and potentially medication can be necessary, according to Caos.
One thing you can do at home, says veterinarian Dr. Sabrina Kong of Tracy, California, is to “create a safe space” for your pup where the dog can go whenever they’re feeling anxious. “This might be a crate (if your dog is crate trained), a specific room or just a comfortable bed,” she says. “This should be where your dog feels safe and comfortable, and it can help to have familiar items like toys or blankets there.”
3. Lack of exercise
“If your dog doesn’t receive adequate exercise, it may seek constant attention as a way to release its pent-up energy,” says Caos.
Physical exercise is super important so a dog can burn off their energy on a daily basis, says Hembree. When they don’t have those outlets, she adds, then they will seek alternatives, such as attention from their owners.
What to do: The solution here is simple enough; just make sure your dog gets enough daily exercise, whether that’s through going for walks or chasing a ball in the backyard (if you can’t take your dog for regular jaunts, consider hiring a dog walker). Regular exercise can help to reduce clingy dog behavior.
4. Dog’s age
“Age is certainly a contributing factor as older dogs are generally more confident than younger dogs given their life experiences,” says Hembree. “They are more inclined to do their own thing without their guardians.”
Not all puppies are clingier than their older counterparts, but this behavior is frequently seen in younger dogs, says Whittenburg. “This is because they are used to being with their mother and littermates and have yet to adjust to a daily routine that includes isolation.”
What to do: “Puppies tend to naturally follow their people around during certain stages, and it’s important that owners help puppies learn that it’s OK to be alone,” says Waite. “They can do this by ensuring the puppy is fed, tired and pottied, then putting the puppy in a designated quiet, comfy space with a safe chewy. Over time, many puppies will learn that the space indicates it’s time to rest and that they are OK without their owner.”
5. Inconsistent boundaries
As Caos explains, “inconsistent rules and boundaries can confuse your dog and contribute to clinginess. If you allow your dog to be clingy in certain situations but discourage it in others, they may struggle to understand the desired behavior. Consistency is key in establishing clear expectations and boundaries.”
What to do: It’s all about sticking to the rules you set. Let’s say you don’t want your dog on the couch. You can’t make an exception occasionally when you want company while you watch TV; this has to be a consistently applied rule. You might also try teaching your dog to follow certain commands, particularly “wait” (which can be especially useful if you want your clingy dog to stop following you through doorways).
6. Inadvertent reinforcement
Many dog owners are guilty of this. “I think we can all agree that we like it when our dogs seek us out,” says Hembree. “It makes us feel wanted and needed, and we return that feeling by engaging our dogs with pets, praise and our own adoration. All of these can serve as reinforcement for our dogs.”
What to do: “If you give your dog constant attention and reinforce their clingy behavior with praise, petting or treats whenever they demand it, they may learn that being clingy gets them what they want,” warns Caos. “While it’s important to provide love and attention, it’s equally important to encourage independent behavior and establish boundaries.” That means not giving in every time when your clingy dog makes a bid for your attention.
7. Clingy dog breeds
It’s true that some dog breeds have a tendency to be more clingy or dependent on their owners, according to Caos. “Breeds that are known for their loyalty, such as certain companion or working breeds,” he says, “may naturally display more clinginess.”
What to do: While there are definitely characteristics associated with certain breeds, Whittenburg says, keep in mind that each dog is an individual with their own personality and experiences. “Because the problem could be behavioral or medical, no training plan should be put in place until you have identified why the behavior is occurring,” says Waite. Consult a veterinarian or certified dog behaviorist to come up with a treatment plan that works for your pet.
Even if you don’t mind your dog’s clinginess all that much in general, there are reasons why you might want to work on it. As Hembree points out, “it can become cumbersome when dogs are not comfortable being without their guardians even if it isn’t about staying in the home alone. What about vacations? Or if they need to be left at their veterinary hospital?” Teaching your clingy dog to be more independent could benefit the both of you.
