How to Stop Your Dog From Being Clingy

A clingy dog can be stressful to deal with and often exhibits behavior such as a constant need to be by your side, along with anxiety when you leave in which he chews things, relieves himself or barks constantly while you are away. Learning how to deal with your clingy canine and help establish more independence within him can make both of you breathe a little easier.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog gates
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Instructions

    • 1

      Perform your regular leaving rituals while you are at home with your pooch when you aren't actually leaving the home. For example picking up your keys, putting on shoes and jackets, locking and unlocking the door and even starting your car. Over time you'll notice that these signals will not make your canine anxious.

    • 2

      Do not give your dog attention when he commands it. Just like children, dogs need to be taught that their behavior, such as clinginess, will not be rewarded. Get up and sit elsewhere if your dog sits next to you, don't pet him whenever he nudges you and don't respond to his whining or barking for attention.

    • 3

      Place dog gates in your home to inhibit your dog from being able to follow you. If you have an upstairs and downstairs block off the stairs so that your dog will have to get used to being in one area of the home without you. Other ideas include blocking off the kitchen, dining room, office or your bedroom.

    • 4

      Do not make a big show when you leave. Refrain from telling your dog you are leaving or petting him profusely before you exit the house. This behavior signals to your dog a change is about to happen and triggers clinginess. When you arrive home, don't excitedly greet your dog or immediately pet him, instead allow him to calm down then pet him.

    • 5

      Increase the amount of exercise your dog gets daily. If you take your dog on three short walks a day, try adding a short run to it and taking him to a dog park a couple of times a week. An increase in exercise can help expel some of the nervous energy associated with clinginess. Exercising him before you leave can also make your absence less stressful.