How to Train a Dog Not to Be So Clingy

You suddenly trip over your once confident pup that is now always underfoot and climbing into your lap at every available opportunity. What is causing your dog to be so needy? Dogs can become clingy or even develop separation anxiety when they experience changes to their schedule, lifestyle, environment or family. Change can make a dog insecure, so if your dog has become clingy you might have to retrain her to be more independent.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
  • Bones
  • Dog toys
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Make an appointment with your veterinarian. Some physical illnesses can cause a dog to become insecure and clingy. These ailments include hearing or vision loss or separation anxiety. Ask your vet if a health problem may be causing your dog's clinging. Give your dog medication or treatments that are recommended by your vet.

    • 2

      Prepare your dog for changes to her environment by introducing them slowly. If you are expecting a baby, for example, help your dog look forward to the baby's homecoming by introducing her to baby smells, sounds and furniture in advance. If you move baby furniture into your home, let the dog stay in the room while you do and reward her with treats so that she can accept the change as a positive experience.

    • 3

      Exercise with your dog on a daily basis. Your dog may be clinging to your side because she is bored and wants attention or something to do. Take your dog for walks, play games with her, go jogging, or hiking or take your dog swimming. Give your dog the exercise and mental stimulation that she needs so that she will be content to sleep or chew a bone later on.

    • 4

      Downplay your comings and goings. Do not pet or baby talk to your dog before you leave the house. Simply grab your keys and leave. When you come home, take off your shoes, put down your keys and sort through the mail (or whatever else you do when you come home). Wait a few minutes before greeting your dog. This will teach her that your coming and going is not an ordeal and will help to prevent separation anxiety.

    • 5

      Give your dog activities to do that encourage independence. For example, hide treats throughout the house. If she wants the treats, she will have to leave your side to get them. Provide bones and toys, such as Kongs, that will keep your dog entertained on her own for extended periods of time.

    • 6

      Ignore your dog when she is clingy. She is trying to get your attention, and if you talk to her, pet her, push her away or scold her, she will only learn that being clingy gets her exactly what she wants. Your dog doesn't care if the attention is positive or negative. Do not reinforce clingy behavior by rewarding it with attention. Simply ignore your dog when she acts this way.