Why Is My Dog So Attached to Me All the Time?

It isn't uncommon for dogs to follow their owners around with loving attention, either with their sincere eyes or furry limbs. If your dog seems attached to you to an inordinate degree, however, it could indicate a classic case of separation anxiety. Pay attention to any of your pooch's attachment behaviors that seem particularly excessive.

  1. Attachment Signs of Separation Anxiety

    • If your dog is so attached to you that it's weighing heavily on your mind, it's time to consider the possibility of separation anxiety. If your dog constantly trails your every move, take note. Other typical signs of the situation are overly excited and frenzied "hellos" after he hasn't seen you for a few hours, markedly nervous temperament any time you get ready to go anywhere and constant demands for your acknowledgement. If your pooch panics any time you have to step out for a few minutes, then his attachment is most likely that of separation anxiety. Panting, pushing his body into you, circling, refusal to eat and salivation all denote the frustrating problem -- poor doggie.

    Havoc

    • When a dog not only acts overly attached to you, but also wreaks havoc onto your home every time you're gone, you have even more strong signs that point to potential separation anxiety. If your dog intensely objects to being away from you, his feelings of nervousness could manifest as, for example, scratching your living room table, chewing up your favorite shoes and even house soiling -- despite being perfectly housebroken. He might even try to desperately break out the windows, all because he wants to be closer to wherever you are.

    Triggers

    • Separation anxiety doesn't usually pop up randomly. Your dog might suddenly be so attached to you because you're working a new job with much longer hours. He also could be attached because of undergoing a bad time at a babysitter's home -- perhaps he was afraid of a strange and bigger dog's presence. Stressful situations in general can induce separation anxiety in pooches, whether the birth of babies, big moves to faraway cities and even fighting within the family.

    Management

    • If your dog's attachment issues seems especially severe -- think interior destruction -- it might be a smart idea to consider consulting a professional in animal behavior. A visit with a veterinarian also is imperative, especially if you're noticing potty problems and extreme anxiety. You can try to minimize or eliminate the problem by trying always to make exits in and out of your home as relaxed, serene and "no biggie" as possible. The more unusual and exciting of an event it seems, the more frightened and uneasy your pet might feel. You might even want to try helping your pooch establish "happy" links to your not being around. Consider perhaps giving him a yummy snack every time you leave his field of vision. Giving your pet a lot of positive attention in the form of exercise and interactive games also can often go a long way.