No matter where you go in your house, is your four-legged Fido right there with you? If your pup follows your every move, sticks to your lap, or joins you in the shower, you might have a Velcro dog. It might seem cute for your fur baby to be so attached, but it can also become frustrating, and sometimes even unhealthy.
What Exactly Is a Velcro Dog?
When you first hear the words Velcro dog, it instantly paints a picture of a dog that sticks to you like glue (well, like Velcro). Here are a few examples of what your pet might do as a Velcro dog.
Your pooch follows you everywhere, even if you only move a few steps into the next room. You turn around and almost trip over your pup because they stay so close.
You sit down, and within seconds your dog’s already in your lap, maybe even before your bottom touches the seat. As soon as you stand up, they’re at attention, waiting to see where you’re going next.
Before you know it, your dog’s propped up on the bathtub while you’re enjoying a soak, or sitting outside the shower waiting for you to exit. In some cases, your dog might even manage to get in the shower with you.
Now, here’s the thing. Your pet is more likely a Velcro dog if a lot of these behaviors apply. For example, pretend your dog has a habit of lying on the bathroom rug during your shower. But the rest of the time, they’re content to rest in their bed, play outside, or snooze solo on the couch. In this case, they’re not fitting the definition of a Velcro dog.
However, if your dog checks off a lot of these boxes, then they might earn this clingy moniker. Basically, a Velcro dog wants to be by your side every second that you’re around.
Signs You May Have a Velcro Dog
Does your dog fit the description of a Velcro dog? Answer the following questions to determine if your pup qualifies as overly clingy.
- Does your dog follow you everywhere you go, including the bathroom?
- Is your dog always licking you, pawing at you, or jumping on you to get your attention?
- When you leave your pup alone in another room, do they start whining, barking, or howling?
- Does your dog get possessive of you around others, including people and pets?
- Is your dog apt to get into mischief or cause damage when you ignore them?
- Does your dog plant themselves between you and anything that’s taking your focus off of them? For example, you’re reading a book, so they sit on top of it.
If you answered yes to several of these questions, you likely have a Velcro dog. But why is your pup so determined to become an appendage?
What Causes Your Dog to Be Clingy?
There are a few possibilities of why you have a Velcro dog. Your dog might just be the clingy type. Certain breeds tend to be more clingy than others, particularly lapdogs and working dogs.
Some of the most common dog breeds associated with being overly attached to their owners are Chihuahuas, Vizslas, Doodle mixes, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs. Golden Retrievers, Yorkies, Boston Terriers, and German Shepherds also often come up on lists of clingy pups.
However, this doesn’t mean if you have one of these breeds they’re automatically a Velcro dog. There are other reasons your dog can be uber-dependent on you, including illness, learned behavior, stress, aging, and separation anxiety.
- Learned Behavior — If you shower your pup with affection or treats when they’re next to you, they’re going to want to stay close. Your dog learns to stick by your side for fun rewards.
- Issues Relating to Illness or Aging — A dog with hearing or vision issues or other health concerns relies on you more for help. Senior pups can become clingy as they age and lose mobility.
- Stress — Some dogs grow more attached when they feel stressed. A change in routine or environment could spark clinginess if your dog experiences anxiety. Your dog may also sense your stress and decide to stay close by your side.
- Separation Anxiety — A Velcro dog doesn’t automatically have separation anxiety. However, if you notice your dog never leaving your side, it could be a sign of potential separation issues.
Telling the Difference Between a Velcro Dog and Separation Anxiety
Clinginess might be a symptom of a larger behavioral issue, like separation anxiety. However, being attached to your hip doesn’t automatically signal separation issues. The main way to distinguish between these two things is to understand how your dog behaves when you aren’t around.
A Velcro dog wants to be with you 24/7 when you’re around but typically manages well when you leave. On the other hand, if your dog is dealing with separation anxiety, they panic when you leave the house. Their stress leads to destructive behavior, potty accidents, and even self-inflicted wounds. For example, a nervous dog coping with separation anxiety may chew or lick non-stop on their paws, tail, etc. Most of these things are evident when you return home, but if you’re unsure, set up a camera to monitor your dog’s actions when you’re away.
It’s important to talk with your dog’s vet about separation anxiety and the steps to take to help your dog. If you’re not sure if your dog is just clingy or dealing with a more serious problem, discuss it with a professional.
How Do You Loosen the Grip of a Velcro Dog?
After ruling out separation anxiety, how do you get your Velcro dog to loosen up a bit?
- Provide mental stimulation — Offer your dog something to engage their mind, distract them, and keep them focused. A treat licking mat or interactive toys are good ways to occupy your pup and help them self-soothe at the same time.
- Exercise — Make sure your dog gets adequate levels of physical activity every day for their age, breed, and size. Some dogs only need a 15-minute walk and some playtime. Other dogs need a couple of hours of running and romping around outside. Talk with your vet about proper exercise levels for your dog.
- Desensitization Techniques — Certain actions may trigger your dog to stick by your side. For example, when you grab your keys off the table, they associate it with you leaving, so they rush to your side. Start doing the opposite of what you normally do when you perform these acts to desensitize your pup to them. Eventually, your dog will realize that those movements don’t always mean the same thing.
- Create a Safe Space for Your Dog — Give your dog a place that’s all their own, including their bed, favorite toys, fresh water, and something with your scent. Train your dog to retreat to their safe zone on command. Reward them when they go there. Creating a safe zone also helps during changing environments, such as a move to a new house. It helps your dog have something familiar amidst all of the newness.
- Make Accommodations as Needed — If your dog is dealing with health problems or aging, make accommodations to help them navigate the changes. Use night lights for dogs with failing vision, keep furniture placement the same, use a doggy ramp, etc.
Teach Your Dog to Enjoy Some Independence
It might feel good when your dog always wants to be by your side, but eventually, you and your pup need to have some personal space. Teach your dog how to handle some alone time so they can be happy and content when they’re on their own. It doesn’t mean they love you any less.
For more helpful tips, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog.